Hello, heroes! UknownHero here and welcome to another chapter of Senran Persona! Nothing much going on, just enjoying another bout of lockdown! But I did manage to get a role on TV...in a show that won't be out until 2022. Hooray! Also, E3 just finished and, well, Nintendo won again but there were still some games I want to keep my eye on.
We have a TV Tropes page! It still needs a lot of work! Please contribute to it if you can!
Onto the reviews! To IsekaiFanBoi: Nope, I double-checked and the Judgement Confidant happens on 7/9. To elifotero: Someone who is coming to Tokyo soon.
That's it for the reviews! Time to take a break and study!
Load Game...Start!
Chapter 74: Working and Planning
(7/10, Early Morning)
(Shibuya, Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
The sun began to shine through the window, signifying the start of a new day. It had also hit Asuka's sleeping face, which was laid down on the table next to various books and paper.
"Wuh?" Asuka groaned out, wincing as the light blinded her before yawning. "Urgh...when did I go to sleep last night?" She wondered before blinking to see her roommate also collapsed over the table...and in her Shujin uniform strangely enough. "Homu-nee, wake up." She called out.
"M-Mmm..." Homura groaned out as shesat herself up. "Huh? What time is it?" She muttered and asked.
"Uh...six?" Asuka answered before yawning once more. "Urgh...my head...feels so full..." She then groaned as she rubbed her forehead.
"...Think we overdid it last night with the bath bomb?" Homura suddenly asked.
"I barely remember last night." Asuka admitted. "It just becomes a blur of smells and information." She soon revealed. "...Why do I know how to graph Morgana-chan's head?" She suddenly asked.
"What bath bomb did you buy?" Homura had to ask before spotting the wrapper discarded for the bath bomb on the floor. "Smarty Butt: Smell like you know what you're talking about." She read out.
"Why do I feel like I should be insulted or happy?" Asuka mumbled out. "What was in that bath bomb?" She then asked.
"I'm just more confused that you're wearing your uniform, Sis." Homura however pointed out.
"What?" Asuka got out in confusion before looking down to see she, indeed, was in her uniform as well. "Why are you wearing yours!?" She then asked.
"You know, this probably would be convenient if it wasn't a Sunday today." Homura mumbled out before sniffing one of her armpits. "Huh. Rosemary." She then pointed out.
"...I think I need coffee." Asuka got out.
GRRRRRRR...!
"Erm, maybe after breakfast." Homura giggled before heading to the kitchen.
(7/10, Daytime)
(Yongen-Jaya, Leblanc)
Akira blinked as he stared at his phone. When did he become a bathroom counselor, fixing friendships while pretending to take a dump?
"Back alley therapist. A profession that an uncomfortable amount of people need." Akira quietly mused before opening up the IM.
[TheWildJ0ker: Haruka-chan, when was the last time you called your friends back at Hebijo?]
[LovExperiment: Why this out of the blue?]
[TheWildJ0ker: You're avoiding the question.]
[TheWildJ0ker: That and Mirai misses you.]
(...)
[LovExperiment: I haven't.]
[TheWildJ0ker: Do it soon.]
[LovExperiment: I'll do it after work.]
"And now to say the same thing to Homura." Akira muttered to himself.
"Hey kid, how long are you going to spend in there? I need help here." He suddenly heard Sojiro call out.
"...After work." Akira sighed before getting up from the toilet and hitting the flush.
FLUSH!
"Aaahhh..." Akira breathed out as he left the bathroom.
"Fly's down." Sojiro casually informed, barely looking at his charge.
"Thank you." Akira responded as he zipped himself up and went to do the dishes.
Ring ring ring!
"Hi Boss, Akira-kun." Asuka greeted as she entered the cafe.
"Asuka." Akira got out with a quick wave.
"You're usually here in the afternoon or later..." Sojiro noticed.
"Decided to work early, Boss." Asuka got out, taking in the smells of the cafe. "Are you going to be teaching me?" She then asked.
"No, not with customers around. You need to serve orders. Wait for tonight." Sojiro answered as he poured a cup.
"Hai." Asuka responded before heading into the bathroom to change.
It was actually busy today (or at least for a small cafe in the back alley) and the two employees had to make coffee and serve customers while Sojiro made the curry. It was going quite well, working with each other like a well-oiled machine.
Pipipipipipi!
The Boss didn't hesitate as he pulled out his personal phone. "Hey, what's up?" Sojiro answered before his eyes widened. "Huh? It's not right?...Not cute? That was the one the staff recommended to me though...Won't that printer do? Huh? It'll do, but it's not it?...OK, I'll be right over."
The Leader raised his head from the coffee pot. "Is...everything okay, Boss?" Akira asked with a raised eyebrow.
"This...might take a while..." Sojiro answered as he rubbed his temple. "I'll be leaving the store to you two. Lock up for me if I don't come back."
"Girl troubles?" Akira assumed.
"Something like that. Don't burn down the place while I'm away." Sojiro answered and ordered.
"We won't. See you, Boss!" Asuka happily replied as the cafe owner left.
"A cute printer...?" Akira got out with a raised eyebrow. "A hell of a gift in the middle of July." He then remarked.
"I can't believe Boss has a girlfriend at his age..." Asuka muttered.
"Well, it's never too late." Akira pointed out.
"By the way, Boss told me you haven't been taking lessons lately. I get the feeling he's a little sad about it." Asuka soon got out, looking at her Leader with narrowed eyes.
"Well...our relationship hasn't been improving all that much." Akira sighed out. "I mean, it's a lot better than being on the edge of being kicked out but there's still this distance between us. Always at arm's length, you know?" He then stated, looking a little sad.
"I can see why, but he has to know by now that whatever happened back then is not true." Asuka pointed out with a frown. Although, she did have to remind herself not every adult in Tokyo was a total bastard.
"I think he does, it's just that he doesn't care." Akira mumbled out. "He can be nice but..." He then started before trailing off at the end.
"Is he treating you badly?" Asuka soon asked.
"No. I... It's just kinda hard to try and get to know him given my situation." Akira sighed out.
"It is, but he's letting you stay here. It has to count for something in your book." Asuka however pointed out. "Underneath his gruff exterior is a soft interior. I think Ryuji-kun calls it being...a tsundere?" She then stated and guessed.
That in turn caused the Leader to snort in amusement to the thought. "Heh. You really want to see the best in people." Akira got out with a grin. "Tsun-tsun Sojiro? Oh god..." He meanwhile thought to himself with a mental chuckle.
"I do, but I do know when to give up, but now is not one of those times." Asuka stated. "Don't stop, Akira-kun. You're getting there." She soon encouraged.
"Thanks. Guess I needed that." Akira admitted before checking the pot again.
"Everyone needs someone to talk to." Asuka pointed out.
"I know that. I've been doing that for the past few months." Akira responded with a wry smile.
"...And that concludes the latest news on the suspect Kaneshiro." The news reporter concluded. "This case is said to be a result of the Phantom Thieves' actions, but what do you think?" He then asked his fellow host.
"We don't know their methods, but I believe that they are a menace to our law-abiding country. Especially with those grotesque displays they paint on our clean buildings." The pundit responded. "This dangerous group tampers with people's hearts. It's no different from brainwashing." He then argued.
"I see. From that point of view, it's absolutely correct. That's not to say if they're not using blackmail, or extortion, or even drugs to get their victims to confess." The news reporter then added.
"I'll say. Maybe jail would be preferable to what the Phantom Thieves might do to them." The pundit soon stated.
"I wonder what's going on. Didn't this happen a little while ago too?" the old lady remembered. "Who was it again? You know, that famous artist..." She tried to remember.
"Ah, Madarame, was it?" Her husband answered.
"They punished those awful people, didn't they? The Phantom Thieves aren't at fault then." the old lady soon stated.
"That may be true, but..." The old man began, however...
"Don't you think so too, deary? The Phantom Thieves aren't doing anything wrong, are they?" The old lady asked, turning to the boy.
"I think I expressed my opinions clearly enough." Akira automatically answered before cursing under his breath.
"Ah, you must be that boy who upstaged that cute detective a while back. No wonder you're familiar..." The old lady got out with a smile. "See? Even he says that they're doing good." She then stated.
"They help people when no one can after all." Asuka quietly added with a smile.
"Oh my, look at the time. We should probably head home." The old lady soon got out, checking the clock.
"Ah, you're right. Thanks for the drink." the old man thanked the two before getting up.
"Come back any time." Asuka got out with a bow as the old couple left. "You're still a little famous." She added with a giggle.
"Yeah. Probably gave my parents a heart attack too now that I think about it." Akira admitted with a weak chuckle. "Heh, I think this is the first time I've thought about them since I came here." He then pointed out.
"You should really talk to them." Asuka suggested before letting out a sigh. "I should talk to mine too." She then admitted right before the next customer walked in. A long-haired brunette with red eyes.
"Wow, this place smells like coffee." The girl commented, her voice with a thick Kansai accent.
"That's because it's a cafe, if you can't tell from the sign out front." Asuka giggled out. "So, are you here just to check in or do you want something?" She soon asked.
"Uh, I guess the house special. That's a thing right?" The girl replied as she sat down.
"Okay. Coming right up, Miss..." Asuka responded as she grabbed the beans.
"Ayame." The girl answered with a nod.
"Hai." Asuka got out. "Let's do this." She soon declared with a smile.
Akira nodded before his eyes widened and slapped his forehead. "Ah! Gimme a sec, I need to text everyone something really important." He soon got out as he pulled out his phone and frowned. "I gotta talk to Takemi too to set up a little bit of security..." He then muttered.
"I don't mind if you step out of the store for a bit. I got things." Asuka assured.
"I don't know..." Akira muttered out. He didn't want Sojiro catching him out of the cafe and assuming he closed early.
"Don't worry. I got this." Asuka reassured.
"...Alright. It'll only take a few minutes, half an hour at most." Akira relented before taking off his apron and heading to the door. "I'll be back before you know it!"
"I'll be fine. Go!" Asuka got out as she pushed him out the door. "Sorry about that, Ayame-chan. Your coffee will be ready soon." She soon apologized and informed as she made her way back to the counter.
"It's ok, I can wait." Ayame replied with a grin as she quietly watched the girl work. "Hm, you seem familiar..." She suddenly got out.
"Huh?" Asuka got out as she blinked. "Oh, do you live in the area? Or maybe in Yongen?" She then assumed.
"No...I think I saw you around somewhere..." Ayame replied with a frown. "I think...yeah, I think it was during Golden Week. At the train station. With...her." She mumbled out to herself while thinking about it.
The Vice Leader blinked before that particular memory played in her mind. "...Erm, you have a good memory." Asuka got out with a growing blush on her face. "Um, here, let me get your coffee." She soon offered.
"Thanks." Ayame replied as she relaxed herself.
(Shibuya, Central Street)
Meanwhile, the tan skinned girl was waiting in line with the book she had gotten from her committee member to pass the time.
"Ok, something sweet and then back to studying." Homura thought as she read her book. "Hm, I think I'm getting a better understanding of Hikari's book." She soon admitted. It was still hard, but it was slowly being worked through.
Meanwhile, Yumi yawned as she walked down the street. She had just finished meeting with an informant and decided to end it for today so she could focus on her studies. She would've liked to spend more time doing that but her info network couldn't just stop for a few days.
Maybe she should hire liaisons instead of getting her info directly, now that she thought about it, just so she wouldn't have so many of these meetings...
"Well, it is a learning experience." Yumi sighed out. She'll have to make sure her liaisons are loyal first though, plus she would actually have to pay them too and that was a whole other-
"Get in the back of the line, kid!"
"Huh?" Yumi got out in confusion, only to realise she had absent-mindedly wandered into the front of the line of the crepe stand. "Oh, I'm sorry. I don't want to-" She soon began to explain, only to see that at the back of the line was the tan skinned girl...who was too busy reading a book to realise people were going in front of her.
"That is not how you use the word pochemuchka, Hikari!" Homura grumbled. "Do you even know what that means...?" She soon wondered.
"Ah, good day Homura-san." Yumi happily greeted.
The tan skinned girl blinked, snapping herself out of her little world before looking up. "Oh, to you as well, Yumi-senpai." Homura replied while giving a respect-filled bow. "What brings you here today? I thought you would be studying." She then asked and pointed out.
"I should say the same to you, but for me I am simply getting a book from the shop over there." Yumi replied in amusement.
"Well...I'm saving it for tomorrow. My head feels a little full right now." Homura revealed and confessed in a sheepish manner.
"Which is why you are getting a crepe?" Yumi guessed with a giggle to the blushing tan skinned girl. "A wise idea. I have read that sugar can be helpful in moderation." She then praised and informed.
"I know. I'm just figuring out how much I've spent on crepes alone. It's...starting to become a worrying number." Homura admitted with a wince. Maybe that's also why she barely has savings.
"Shiki-san did tell me that sweets are a girl's best friend...next to diamonds, money and weapons-grade bloodstain remover." Yumi soon revealed and quoted. "Even to a meat lover such as you, Homura-san." She then added.
"Not all girls. Some like bean sprouts." Homura casually responded.
But before Yumi could ask what she meant by that...
BZZT! BZZT!
"Hm?" Both girls hummed out as they got their phones.
[TheWildJ0ker: Hey everyone. If you have the chance to head to Yongen-Jaya, do so and head to Takemi Clinic. Maybe not today but preferably soon.]
[Road2Queen: Why?]
[TheWildJ0ker: I'm requiring everyone to undergo a check-up. We can't be too careful with the Metaverse.]
[Road2Queen: Wait.]
[Road2Queen: Does this doctor know we're Phantom Thieves?]
[TheWildJ0ker: Don't worry, the doctor is a trusted friend and they're doing it for free.]
[TheWildJ0ker: Just drop your codename and she'll know who she's dealing with. Her assistant cannot know so watch out.]
(...)
[TheWildJ0ker: Yusuke, do you mind adding this to the pamphlet that all new members must undergo an examination?]
[All4Painting: Done, Leader.]
[Sweetkat06: I'll head there now, I guess...]
[Shut7heFUp: I have nothin' better to do so I'll be there too.]
[Negative8Degrees: Ryuji...]
[Shut7heFUp: What?]
[Shut7heFUp: Oh shit, studying! Right!]
[Shut7heFUp: I'll do it in the waiting room.]
[Road2Queen: I wish I could give you a withering sigh over this thing...]
"Well now, things should be interesting moving forward." Yumi confessed.
"Ugh..." Homura groaned. "Not exactly too fond of hospitals if I don't need them." She soon admitted.
"In any case, Homura-san, are you free for some elegance training? I recently had an epiphany. " Yumi soon asked while offering a hand.
This in turn caused the tan skinned girl to smile. "I would be delighted, Yumi-senpai." Homura politely replied as she took the hand before the two headed for an alleyway to not be seen. "So, yours or mine?" She soon asked.
Yumi however smiled back in response. "Ours." She replied.
"Good idea." Homura agreed before quickly looking around to make sure no one was staring at them.
"Shinobi Kekkai." Both girls soon whispered at the same time, vanishing as a result.
(Homura and Yumi's Combined Shinobi Tenshin)
Immediately, the two girls were brought into the shifting crimson red and icy blue area with a light blue snow field while a red sun shined down upon them.
"Shinobi Tenshin." Both girls announced as their clothes vanished and were replaced with their identical kimonos save for the colors.
"You really do have good taste, Yumi-senpai." Homura complimented with a smile.
Yumi in turn giggled in response. "Oh, you flatter me Homura-san, thank you." She replied. "Now, shall we begin?" She soon asked.
"We shall." Homura responded with a nod. "I am in your care like always, senpai." She then stated.
"Okay. Now, what should we do now..." Yumi muttered to herself. "Maybe a usual lesson to start..." She then added in her head.
"Is something the matter, senpai?" Homura meanwhile asked with an adorable tilt of her head.
Yumi meanwhile smiled in response to witnessing this. It was just too adorable and cute. "No, it is nothing. We shall do what we did before." She soon instructed.
"Really? Erm...I think we got that covered." Homura however pointed out.
"There's nothing wrong with going over the basics. From the top!" Yumi stated and instructed.
"Hai!" Homura responded with enthusiasm before the two got to work.
However, as time went on, Yumi began to hesitate as they went through the steps. With so many missteps and sudden shifts, Homura didn't feel any more Elegant than before.
"Yumi-senpai, is something wrong?" Homura soon asked, stopping the lesson.
The Thieves' information broker paused before letting out a sigh. "I've been doing some thinking during our lesson together." Yumi admitted.
"Hm?" Homura hummed out in a curious manner while tilting her head. "Really? What has been on your mind?" She soon asked.
"Homura-san, do you understand the elegance training?" Yumi questioned.
"I do Yumi-senpai." Homura responded with a nod.
"No, I mean do you understand the elegance training, not simply emulating what I do?" Yumi however corrected and pressed on.
"...Of course I do Yumi-senpai." Homura replied once more.
"Well, I want to see it." Yumi soon got out. "I want to see your progress. Show me elegance." She ordered.
Nodding to that, Homura took a step back as flames formed in her hands as they took the form of two fans that were similar to the light grey haired girls, but were fiery crimson red in place of icy blue.
Yumi narrowed her eyes, walking around the girl as she danced and studying every detail. The way she moved, the way she flowed from one move to the next.
Once Homura was done, she looked directly at her teacher with a smile on her face, anticipating the praise she expected.
"...You did a noh dance." Yumi soon stated.
"Hai, it came as naturally as I breathe." Homura calmly confessed with a nod.
"...My noh dance. Some of your usual flair, true, but with a dispassionate eye is not enough to call your own." Yumi however clarified. "I am sorry Homura-san, but you have failed." She soon revealed in an ashamed and saddened tone.
SHATTER!
"!" Homura's eyes immediately widened to this as she went as white as snow as she fell to her knees in shame.
"However, it has exposed a weakness in my teaching style. I have taught you to simply do what I say instead of teaching you the true essence of elegance. It is I that has failed you." Yumi however confessed while looking at her student. "So, I shall change my style. Noh dance is simply not enough now. No, it must come from your heart!" She soon declared.
"Senpai..." Homura breathed out in awe as she looked at her friend.
"Tell me Homura-san, what is your definition of elegance?" Yumi soon questioned.
"...Well mannered, calm, cool and collected." Homura answered. "To be able to think rationally and not jump to conclusions despite both of us having our moments where we did just that."
"That's maturity." Yumi deadpanned.
"...Oh..." Homura got out in a shameful manner as if she was punched in the gut. "Then...what is elegance to you, Yumi-senpai?" She soon asked.
"Elegance is the refined grace and style needed to deal with life's hardships." Yumi explained in a serious tone. "Homura-san, to say the least, you are Disciplined at best. However there is room for further improvement. It's there, however we have been going at it the wrong way. I seek to rectify it next session."
"Oh...so it's over." Homura got out in an upset tone.
"For now. I should be planning out my lessons instead of doing what comes to mind." Yumi replied with a sigh. "But rest assure Homura-san, I will make sure that you will be the pinnacle of elegance in the end." She then stated with determination.
"...Thank you." Homura responded in a grateful manner before something else came to mind. "Excuse me Yumi-senpai." She suddenly got out.
"Yes?" Yumi responded with a raised eyebrow.
"Why is it that you wish for me to join Gessen?" Homura suddenly questioned. "Is it because I am your student in elegance?" She then guessed in a curious manner.
To that, Yumi blushes a bit in embarrassment. "...I admit, for some selfish reasons. You would make a fine shinobi once Gessen shaved off the edges." She then revealed.
"...So you wanted my abilities too..." Homura soon accused, saddened a bit to learn this.
"To an extent, but to also keep you safe and with allies you can rely on, rather than all of those in Hebijo that tricked you in the first place." Yumi however stated.
"You make it sound like there's no good people at all there." Homura got out with a frown.
"I do accept that there are misguided individuals like you, but there are those who revel in chaos and destruction. And Evil Shinobi academies enable that, without needing to live in a cave." Yumi confessed. "I know you may have...allies Homura-san, but schools such as Hebijo practically tempted them like they were fish with the schools being the lure." She then stated.
To that, Homura winced as she realized it was actually as it described. "True, but..." She hesitantly before trailing off. "...Yumi-senpai's right...I was at my weakest moment when I was recruited..." She mentally confessed and remembered while thinking back to her own recruitment.
"You have to agree with me, don't you? The world would be a lot better without true evils...like our targets as Phantom Thieves..." Yumi soon pointed out.
Homura frowned before letting out a sigh. "...I agree with the words...but not the meaning." She soon admitted.
"...Excuse me?" Yumi got out, slightly confused after hearing that.
"I'm sorry, but I thought you learned at the museum. I guess I was wrong." Homura got out as she shook her head. "You may now see the grey, but you still deal in black and white." She then stated in a disappointed tone.
"H-Homura-san..." Yumi got out as she rushed over and hugged the tan skinned girl. "Sorry..." She whispered her apology.
"It's okay, you're learning and you have experienced loss due to true Evil Shinobis, but I suggest you learn faster before you kill someone with a good soul with blood soaked hands." Homura soon warned.
"...perhaps we can learn from one another then..." Yumi soon suggested.
"Hey, it's why we have friends. To learn from one another." Homura replied. "Are you interested in a lesson now?" She soon offered with a gentle smile.
"Erm...in all honesty, I was here to get some extra books for finals..." Yumi sheepishly admitted. "And...I'd rather learn from experience rather than being taught. If you tell me something is good, my judgement would just be yours and we wouldn't have conversations like this. One must have a thesis and antithesis after all."
"Oh..." Homura got out in saddened disappointment with the facial expression to match.
"Don't try and make me feel guilty. Some things simply cannot be taught." Yumi sighed as she shook her head.
That in turn caused Homura's head to drop in even more shame while falling to the snow. "Sorry senpai..." She mumbled out.
"And please pucker up." Yumi then requested as she tipped Homura's head up.
"Huh?"
"I think that's the phrase they said at Kosei." Yumi mumbled to herself before shaking her head. "I mean, don't be sad. Now, let's take this Kekkai down. The day is still young after all so let's spend it productively."
"Hai." Homura responded with a nod.
"Your dance was magnificent though." Yumi soon praised with a more delighted tone.
"Thank you." Homura replied. "Uh...I kinda want to procrastinate a little more so...would you like to go see a movie, Yumi-senpai?" She soon asked.
Yumi in response just giggled. Her student was just that adorable. "I thought you'd never ask." She responded before hooking her arm around her friend's elbow and walked with her to the theatre.
After leaving the Kekkai of course.
(Yongen-Jaya, Takemi's Clinic)
"I thought you were bringing your books?" Ann had to say as she saw the dyed blond approach. She had been waiting near the clinic's entrance for the past hour.
"I have my shit on my phone, duh." Ryuji assured as he pulled it out...to reveal that he was reading Berserk.
"...I really hope you get into the third year." Ann thought in an exasperated manner.
"So this is the place where Joker gets that awesome medicine." Ryuji remarked. He expected it to be in some dark and weirdly wet alleyway, not a hole in the wall.
"I was expecting something a little...dirtier." Ann admitted. "Alright, let's get this over with."
"Yep." Ryuji replied before blinking. "...What happens if we do have, like, ghost cancer or something?" He soon asked.
"..." Ann opened her mouth before frowning.
"Ann?" Ryji got out in confusion.
"..." Ann however remained silent in response.
"Hello?" Ryuji got out as he waved his hand in front of her face.
SHOVE!
And without any warning, Ryuji was shoved into the clinic. "Hey, why'd you do thaaaaaa..." The dyed blond soon began to complain, only trail off at the magnificent sight in front of him.
"Ryuji, what are yoooooo..." Ann began to ask as she followed him in, only to see what her friend was staring at.
It was a slow day at the clinic, and manning the front desk was quite boring while Takemi created the next breakthrough in medicine in the backroom. No one was sick, it was only the increasing possibility of heat stroke Haruka needed to worry about.
"I still need to thoroughly analyse that black stuff so I can actually use it." Haruka thought, flipping through a Vague magazine she bought on her way to work. "Wow this girl looks really familiar. She almost looks like Homura, except way less angry and screaming...and not setting stuff on fire." She then remarked before glancing upwards to see two blondes walk into the clinic (although one of them seemed to be shoved in).
And instantly, the two blondes looked down at her chest.
"These two are new." Haruka mentally remarked as she saw the two walk up to her.
"Hellooooo nurse..." Ryuji droned out with widened eyes.
"Hello." Haruka politely greeted as she set her magazine down.
"Why does everyone I'm meeting lately have bigger chests than me...?" Ann mumbled as she couldn't help but rub her chest. "How do they still have spines?" She soon whispered to herself, only for the two to look up and see the assistant's amused expression. "O-Oh, I'm sorry." She then apologized, blushing a little red.
"Don't worry about it. I get this reaction a lot." Haruka giggled. She quite liked every civilian gawking at her upon their first meeting. "So, do you have an appointment?" She soon asked.
"Uh...no, we're...feeling a little sick." Ryuji replied as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Next time, please wear a mask if you are feeling unwell. We don't want a pandemic, do we?" Haruka suggested before leaning towards the ash blonde's ear. "...You don't need to be ashamed. I have a fresh supply of pregnancy tests you may take home with you. And protection." She then stated and offered. She soon whispered in a knowing manner.
"Excuse me!?" Ann squeaked out as she blushed red before turning to the dyed blond, who was still looking at the assistant's boobs. "W-We...We aren't here for that!" She soon declared.
"Really now?" Haruka replied with a tilt of her head.
"Yeah! It's just a check-up!" Ann stated as the dyed blond looked on in confusion.
To that, the blonde assistant nodded. "Well, that will be 6,000 yen." Haruka informed.
"I thought Joker said it was free." Ryuji muttered to himself.
"Joker?" Harula repeated with a raised eyebrow.
"Excuse us for a second." Ann got out as she pulled Ryuji away. "What the hell, Ryuji!?" She soon asked through gritted teeth.
"I don't know. I say really dumb shit in front of girls with effin' L-Cups." Ryuji tried to defend himself.
"Th-They are n-not that boob! I mean, big!" Ann sputtered out. "Dammit, and I thought my stupid chest was big..." She then grumbled in slight envy.
"Actually, I'm a J-Cup." Haruka playfully corrected in amusement.
"How the hell can you hear us!?" Ryuji exclaimed. "Ah, who cares! We're having a private conversation!" He then added.
"Um, sorry. I seem to have a habit of eavesdropping." Haruka apologized before putting in some ear plugs. "Please continue!" She then requested while going through some reports.
This in turn caused the two to sweatdrop as they looked back to one another. "She has ninja boobs, Ann." Ryuji got out in a quiet yet incredulous voice, squeezing his own imaginary H-Cups.
"Doesn't mean she's a shinobi." Ann whispered back. "Akira would've told us if she was one in the first place." She then reminded.
"Ninja boobs." Ryuji repeated in a whisper just as the doctor came out of the consultation room, and she did not look happy.
"Haruka, have you been going into my sildenafil supply?" Takemi accused in a casual manner.
"..." Haruka meanwhile remained silent as she continued to work.
"Haruka?" Takemi once more called out.
"She has ear plugs on." Ann informed the annoyed doctor.
"Oh right, forgot I have given those to her." Takemi mumbled to herself going over to her tapping the space in front of her, getting the blonde's attention.
"Huh?" Haruka got out before seeing her sensei looking at her. "Oh, Takemi-sensei. Uh, we have two patients who wish to see you." She soon greeted and informed while she took out her ear plugs.
"I can see that. However, I would like to ask if you stole some of my sildenafil." Takemi asked once again.
"Of course not." Haruka replied as bowed.
"Good." Takemi turned and saw the two blondes staring at her. "Welcome to my clinic. What brings you here?" She soon questioned in a somewhat pleasant tone.
"Uh...Akira suggested we go to you." Ann answered, getting the doctor and her assistant's full attention.
"Oh? Akira-kun did?" Haruka replied in a curious manner while the doctor herself narrowed her eyes at the two.
"Haruka, can you go get a bag of sweets for the kids? Running low." Takemi soon requested without hesitation.
"What!? We're sixteen dammit!" Ryuji called out.
"Not us, Ryuji." Ann sighed out. "...But are those sweets available to us?" She then not-so-subtly asked.
After hearing Takemi mumble under her breath about how stupid the police were, Haruka silently nodded and headed out.
"How are you two feeling?" Takemi asked.
"Uh...Like my stomach is being mauled by a panther." Ann answered.
"Huh? Oh right, yeah! My skull's been ringing since last night." Ryuji quickly added.
"Hm." Takemi hummed out as she checked her clipboard. "About time. How about we have Skull head in first to see what's wrong." She then got out before heading back into the consultation room.
"Thanks, doc." Ryuji replied with a grin before following her in.
And with that, Ann sat down on a near-by chair and grabbed a magazine, deciding to read to pass the time until her turn. "Wow, this is way out of date." She soon noted. The fashion within the pages was so last month. "Oh yeah, the magazines with me and Asuka-chan should be out soon." She then added in her head.
About ten minutes later, Haruka came back with a bag of sweets, poured them into the glass bowl at the counter before sitting down...right next to the ash blonde
"Um...Hello?" Ann greeted, blinking in confusion.
"Hello." Haruka replied with a sweet smile. "So, how do you know Akira-kun?" She soon asked in a curious manner.
"Oh, uh...I'm his classmate. We just kind of...had the same values and goals." Ann answered, kinda wanting to go back to her magazine right now. God, that smile instilled some sort of primal fear in her heart.
"I see." Haruka replied with a smile.
"And you? How do you know Akira?" Ann soon asked back.
"I simply ran into him." Haruka simply revealed. "He really is a good person." She then complimented.
"He is." Ann agreed. "He can be a total ass sometimes but...he's someone you can rely on for anything, even if it kills him." She then admitted.
"He...seems like the person to do so." Haruka muttered out, a small blush on her face. "He makes a rather good friend." She then added.
"Yeah, among other things." Ann sighed out as she rolled her eyes. "He does not do things halfway..." She then added.
That in turn got Haruka's attention as she looked at the other blonde. "How so?" She soon asked in a curious manner.
"It's, erm...I can't really say, it's super embarrassing..." Ann awkwardly giggled out, remembering their last outing in the Metaverse. It was either all-out brutality or all-out thearetics for him. "Uh, so, how did you get a job here?" She soon asked to change the subject.
"Corporate espionage." Haruka casually answered, causing the ash blonde to cough into her fist. "Kidding. She just needed an assistant and I came in at the right time." She soon revealed.
"Hm?" Ann hummed out. "But...you look about the same age as me. At least face wise..." She then pointed out.
"I have the qualifications." Haruka insisted. "And, I'll be honest here, Takemi-sensei wasn't exactly in the best place to be picky." She then confessed.
"Yeah. Um, Akira told me that something happened to her. I'm glad to see that she's doing fine." Ann then admitted.
"Yes. Takemi-sensei is quite nice." Haruka stated.
"GYAAAAAAAAAAAA!" The two girls (and Morgana from just outside) suddenly heard the dyed blond scream.
"Most of the time." Haruka added without pause.
"Uh, should we ask?" Ann awkwardly got out with a sweatdrop.
"Don't worry, I'm used to the screams of little boys." Haruka casually replied, causing the other blonde to stare at her. "...No, seriously, the little kids tend to scream at needles." She then explained.
Suddenly, the dyed blond tumbled out the door of the consultation room before picking himself off the ground with a traumatized look on his face.
"Ryuji?" Ann got out in confusion with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm gonna go home...and think about all the good things in life." Ryuji responded in a weak manner as he stumbled out of the clinic.
"Next please!" Takemi soon ordered.
"E-Erm...I suddenly have a stomach ache..." Ann stammered out, clutching onto her gut. "O-Ooh...Ow...it hurts so much..." She then tried to make pained noises. Tried.
Haruka couldn't help but giggle at that...before shoving Ann into the consultation room. "It'll all be over before you know it."
"PLEASE DON'T-" Ann squeaked out in a panic.
SLAM!
"It's just a check up. There's nothing scary about Takemi-sensei." Haruka assured before returning to her desk and picking up her magazine. "...What did that boy do to make sensei angry like that?" She soon wondered in a curious manner before shaking her head. "I'm sure it was a simple misunderstanding." She then decided.
And not even two minutes later...
"GO HOME! AND TELL YOUR FRIEND THAT NEXT TIME I'LL BE DOUBLING HIS DOSE!" Haruka suddenly heard the doctor scream as the ash blond stumbled out the door.
"I just wanted to become an intelligent, youthful model!" Ann cried out.
"GET OUT!" Takemi demanded, causing the ash blonde to run out of the clinic.
At that moment, the doctor herself stepped outside and let out a sigh. "What is with teenagers these days..." She grumbled under her breath,
"...Weren't we supposed to charge them?" Haruka reminded.
"Look, I'm already dealing with my physical inadequacies with you, don't make it worse!" Tae snapped.
"Excuse me?" Haruka got out as she blinked.
"Is there anyone else we have an appointment for?" Takemi quickly changed the subject, and from the look in her eye, the blonde didn't dare to change it back.
"No sensei." Haruka soon answered.
"Oh my God, thank you." Takemi breathed out before she blinked. "Oh god, more of them are coming soon..." She soon mumbled to herself. Were the rest of her guinea pig's friends as eccentric and well-gifted as them?
"Excuse me?" Haruka got out in concern.
"Nothing. If you'll excuse me I'll be in the consultation room. If you hear any sobbing, I'm watching a soap opera." Takemi ordered.
"I shall believe your lie, sensei." Haruka replied with a bow.
"Thank you." Takemi thanked her assistant before heading back in.
Instantly, Haruka heard her sensei cry in anguish. "Are you already watching your soap opera?" She had to ask.
"No, I stubbed my toe!" Takemi called back.
"Well be careful next time!" Haruka replied before looking down at her magazine.
(Shibuya, Central Street)
There were quite a number of movies coming out over the month. After all, it was the season for the summer blockbuster.
Clonnad, Layers;Gate, Elfen Laid, Charge on Themis: Titan Soldiers, Jìnrui Hokan Keikaku, You'll Get the Victory, Dream Note...
And Homura and Yumi saw none of those. However, they didn't regret the choice as they stumbled out of the theatre, holding onto each other hand in hand while sobbing.
"H-Homura-san, t-that film..." Yumi got out, tears in her eyes.
"I-I know senpai!" Homura whimpered, tears staining her face as they sat themselves down at a bench.
"It was beautiful!" The two cried as one as they soon hugged each other.
Turns out a tragic story of friendship and loyalty involving two separate and drastically different philosophies and settling their differences with the realization that their own friendship was more important than outdated philosophies really sparked something from the two girls.
"How could we be so foolish, senpai!?" Homura soon questioned in shame.
"I know! Morgana-san said it and yet I was still doubtful about the entire manner!" Yumi replied in shame as well. "That movie though, it truly opened my eyes!" She soon confessed.
"Mine too!" Homura admitted in agreement. "Who knew a movie called Beastiality Stars would be so...so..." She then got out before sobbing into the other girl's shoulder.
"Inspiring!?" Yumi guessed as the tan skinned girl nodded into her shoulder, sobbing all the while. "The bunny...was cute too!" She then confessed.
"It was!" Homura replied in agreement. "I love you, senpai! As a friend!" She soon declared.
"And I love you too as a friend, Homura-san!" Yumi replied.
"Friends forever!?" Homura soon asked
"Yes!" Yumi responded with loyalty in her voice.
"Good!" Homura cried out before suddenly gaining a serious expression on her face. "But if you ever try to replace Sis, I will kill you." She soon threatened.
"I-I would never Homura-san." Yumi quickly got out in reassurance. "...I think we've gathered enough of a crowd." She soon pointed as she looked around.
This in turn got the tan skinned girl's attention as she looked at the crowd of men and women staring at her, causing her to pout with a puffed up cheek. "Don't you people have anything better to do with your lives!?" Homura loudly questioned in annoyance.
"No, not really." Someone from the crowd responded as they soon heard agreeing murmurs.
"GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!" Homura shouted out, causing the crowd to scatter. "God, people do not respect privacy these days, huh, Yumi-senpai." She got out in disapproval while crossing her arms over her chest.
"Indeed." Yumi responded in agreement.
"Man, I feel refreshed and inspired now." Homura soon confessed. "Guess it's a good time to go and study now." She then decided.
"Oh, you're going home then?" Yumi stated in a somewhat sad tone. "Well, why don't I join you?" She soon offered
"Yumi-senpai, you're a third year student. I doubt what me and Sis are studying is gonna relate to your exams, and vice versa." Homura awkwardly pointed out. "Besides, you weren't a civilian second year for that long." She then pointed out.
"It's ok, I insist, Homura-san." Yumi however stated with a smile, taking hold of her friend's hand.
"Ugh, but I've already taken too much of your time. You were here for a book right? At least let me pay for it." Homura soon offered.
"Homura-san..." Yumi however started, sounding more menacing. "I insist." She then stated with an icy aura surrounding her.
"Don't Homura-san me. I'm buying your book and then you can..." Homura began in her own menacing way before noticing something. "...Why is Ryuji walking out of the arcade?" She suddenly asked.
"Hm?" Yumi hummed out before seeing the dyed blond holding onto a Bugs plush. "Oh." She soon responded.
"..." Soon, both girls gave off disapproving expressions. "He should be studying as well..." They both thought.
"...Wanna help this idiot learn?" Homura soon asked, already cracking her knuckles.
"You read my mind." Yumi replied just as the dyed blond spotted them.
"Oh, hey girls! You two procrastinatin' too?" Ryuji simply greeted.
"..." Yumi and Homura proceeded to glare at the boy in disapproval, not moving from their spot.
"...What?" Ryuji got out in confusion before noticing the fiery and icy auras surrounding the two, paling as a result. "Uuuuuh..." He awkwardly got out.
"Escape is futile. Prepare to face your punishment." Homura and Yumi robotically declared before stepping towards the boy with increasingly damp pants.
(7/10, Evening)
(Yongen-Jaya, Leblanc)
"Whew!" Asuka breathed out as she wiped the sweat off her brow. "I think that was the last customer." She soon stated in satisfaction.
"It's not the last customer until you flip the sign outside." Akira pointed out as he wiped down the plate until it shined. "You mind doing that? Kinda got my hands full here." He then requested and explained.
"Hai, Leader." Asuka responded before heading outside and flipped the sign.
"Thank you." Akira got out before his eyes widened. "Oh, wait, Sojiro isn't here to pay you. Maybe it would be good to come in tomorrow too." He then pointed out and suggested.
"I don't mind if I'm not paid today." Asuka stated with a shrug. She had more than enough spending money for a few weeks. Modeling really helped her out in many ways.
BZZT! BZZT!
"Hm?" Akira got out as he pulled out his phone. "It's Ryuji..." He informed before answering the call. "Yes, this is Joker."
"H-Hey, it's me! Where you at? Whatcha doin'?" Ryuji greeted, sounding a little nervous.
"It's a secret." Akira answered in a cheeky tone.
"Pfft! Don't be such an ass! I bet you're at home, right? Bet Asuka's there too." Ryuji chuckled out before the Leader heard something that made the boy sound a little more scared. "W-We're gonna come over right now about the you-know-what. Seeya!" He quickly got out before he hung up.
"...The what?" Akira got out in a confused manner just as Ryuji hung up. "Wait, we?"
"Hm? Is something happening?" Asuka questioned as she checked her phone.
"Uh...yeah. I think Ryuji's bringing the gang to Leblanc." Akira informed. "Don't know why he assumed you're here too." He then muttered out.
"Um, I guess I'll start making sushi." Asuka quickly decided. "Oh, I'll make some cake too." She then added.
"Cake? When did cake come into the mix here?" Akira chuckled before frowning. "Do we even have ingredients for cake here?" He soon questioned before checking the cabinets and fridge.
"I can just pick up the ingredients from the store here." Asuka pointed out.
"Yeah, but it's all fresh produce." Akira pointed out as he checked the fridge. "But...yeah, we have all the ingredients for at least a small cake. Hopefully he doesn't notice he's a little lighter on the flour." He then informed before shutting the fridge. "We should start now before everyone arrives." He then suggested.
"Don't worry, we can make one in a jiffy!" Asuka assured with a confident smile.
"Well, let's get to work." Akira got out before they began making the cake.
Soon enough, they placed the cake in the oven just as the rest of the thieves arrived.
RING!
"'Sup. We're here to hang out!" Ryuji greeted. Almost as soon as the words left his mouth, he was smacked upside the head. "Ow!" He yelped out.
"What he means is that we're here to study for finals." Homura corrected as the ash blonde shook her head.
"Come on, the back of my head is getting raw..." Ryuji grumbled.
"I'm guessing you're the one who suggested it." Asuka giggled.
"And decided unanimously." Ann added with a smile.
Makoto soon sighed. "Why am I here too...?" She soon asked.
"You're one of us now, so of course you gotta help us. Also, you are the one who's makin' us do this."
"Stuff like that is a favor for a friend, not a requirement." Yumi chided. "But you do have to stay here. I'm afraid I need help in my studies as well." She then admitted with a small blush.
"I'm actually feeling pretty good for exams." Akira admitted with a confident smirk.
"Ohoho, oh, I'll hold you to that! Wanna see who gets the higher test scores?"
"It'll be Joker, no contest." Homura deadpanned.
"Aw come on!" Ryuji complained.
"Homura-san, you should be a little more supportive to those who need the help."
Makoto however sighed in response. "I couldn't ask the last time I was here...But what is this place? The storekeeper doesn't seem to be around..." She soon asked and pointed out.
Akira blinked at that. "...It's a cafe." He soon answered in a flat tone. "I mean, coffee beans on the shelf give it away." He then added.
"I can see that but...does the owner really trust you this much to be here after closing?" Makoto soon questioned.
"Well, I haven't burned the place down even since I started living here." Akira answered, surprising the advisor.
"Oh, Makoto-chan doesn't know, does she?" Asuka realised.
"He's got complicated circumstances..." Ryuji mumbled out before turning to the Leader. "We can tell her about it, right?" He soon asked.
"No...It would be best if I told you." Akira replied with a sigh before going through his entire story of how he ended up in Tokyo in the first place.
"That's...That's terrible..." Makoto mumbled out. She knew about the failings of the justice system but this was a new low.
"Asuka, Homura, Ann, Yusuke, Yumi and I are pretty much the same too." Ryuji agreed, the rest of the Thieves nodding as well. "I mean, it's not as bad as this guy's though. There's just something we can't ever put up with. That's why we all became Phantom Thieves." He than stated.
"Hey, don't forget me." Morgana spoke up.
"I know, I know. We're all part of the team." Ryuji chuckled out as he petted his head. "By the way, Makoto, ain't there someone you can't forgive either? Like, a heart you wanna change?" He soon asked.
"...That's a secret." Makoto mumbled out, turning away from the group.
Homura meanwhile looked at the Shujin Student Council President, already getting an idea who it might be.
"Ooh, there's someone like that? You could just tell us, you know. You don't gotta be so cold." Ryuji tried to coax the answer out of their newest member, only to get his ear pinched. "Hey! Ow!" He yelped.
"Ryuji, let her be. If she doesn't want to say, don't make her." Yumi stated before letting go of the boy's ear lobe. "I'm sorry about that." She then apologized.
"Thank you for understanding, Yumi." Makoto thanked the girl before turning to everyone else. "That aside, do you have any intention of studying for the exam?" She soon asked.
"Not really..." Ryuji casually replied, getting glares of disapproval from the tanned skinned girl and the light grey haired girl.
"It's fine if I leave then?" Makoto soon assumed, already stepping towards the door.
"N-No, I'm just joking! Please teach us..." Ryuji soon pleaded and begged.
"That desperation in your voice only belays your chances in the exams..." Yumi muttered out.
"Hai." Homura replied in a deadpan tone.
"Come on everyone, it'll make studying fun if we all work together. That way it'll make our celebration all the more sweeter!" Asuka stated with a happy smile.
"Did you even bring your crap?" Ryuji soon asked.
"...Oh..." Asuka realised as her mood deflated. "Um, don't worry, I'll just-" She soon began as she headed towards the door.
"Brought it with me." Homura casually informed, lifting up her bag.
Asuka in turn giggled in response. "Thanks Homu-nee." She happily replied in a grateful manner.
"I guess there's no choice..." Makoto sighed out, setting down her bag near the booth. Soon enough, everyone was preparing their stuff for a group study session.
"Why were you two at the movies anyways?" Ryuji had to ask.
"Shut up and solve this question." Homura and Yumi however ordered.
"Yes ma'am!" Ryuji yelped with a salute as Akira and Asuka went to get changed.
About an hour later, everyone had sat around the biggest table in Leblanc and went through their notes.
"Hmm...What was this term?" Makoto wondered out loud. "It's phobia, so it's some kind of fear..." She then muttered.
"Agoraphobia?" Asuka read out with a raised eyebrow.
"What kind of word is that?" Yumi had to ask before checking her near unreadable notes.
"I think it's a fear of open spaces. You don't hear it that often, though." Ann answered casually, stunning the Thieves for a second.
"You...knew something Makoto-chan didn't?" Asuka got out in disbelief.
"I'm flattered you think I know everything." Makoto remarked.
"Ah, sorry Makoto-chan." Asuka awkwardly apologized.
"Just leave vocabulary and long sentences to me. I suck at proper grammar, though..." Ann soon informed and sheepishly admittes.
"Even if we study English, it's not like I'm gonna use it in the future." Ryuji grumbled in annoyance.
"English is a universal language. Everyone knows at least some. You'd be surprised how much English we have in our everyday vocabulary." Akira pointed out, twirling his pencil between his fingers.
"When it comes to you, your Japanese is questionable too." Morgana joked with a small chuckle.
"Aw shuddup!" Ryuji called out.
"It's not as bad as someone with a Kansai accent." Ann stated. "I think it's the Japanese equivalent of a Brooklyn accent in America. And I barely understand that " She then informed before looking down at her book. "Explain the writer's feelings...? What point is there in that?" She read out loud and asked in confusion.
"A lot of writers don't intentionally put meaning in their words until after they finish their story. However, they do put in bits of their personality and their experiences." Yusuke answered.
"That doesn't help..." Ann groaned.
"Gah! It's impossible!" Ryuji suddenly screamed out. "I can't memorise all these formulas! Erm, hey, you ninjas can cheat right? Got any techniques I can use?" He soon asked.
"It's called memorising the necessary information needed and then applying it when necessary." Yumi answered, checking the answers at the back of her book and silently cursing.
"Oh..." Ryuji got out in understanding. "Wait, that's just studying!" He then called out. "I thought they could do somethin' like in that one anime where some ninjas had to cheat and gather info or some shit!" He soon declared.
"Hm? Cheat at gathering information?" Homura repeated in a curious manner with a raised eyebrow before looking at her fellow shinobi.
"Ryuji-kun. Just. Study." Asuka got out through a sweet smile.
Everyone could feel the killing intent filling the entire cafe and subtly shifted away from the two. "Y-Yes ma'am." The dyed blond responded.
"...Why don't we take a break?" Makoto suggested as she shook her head.
"Sure. I think the cake is done by now anyways." Akira got out as he stood up and went to the kitchen.
"Oh!?" Yusuke responded with interest.
Yumi narrowed her eyes at that. "Yusuke, did you eat today?" She questioned.
"Yes." The artist confidently responded.
"..." Yumi narrowed her eyes even more, staring directly into her kouhai's eyes. "...why do I not believe you?" She soon asked in a blunt manner.
"It was a plate of 100 yen conveyor belt sushi." Yusuke informed in a proud manner.
"That's two rolls of sushi." Makoto pointed out with a concerned look on her face.
"This is actually an improvement of his usual spending habits." Yumi deadpanned.
"You really need to eat more..." Homura sighed out in disapproval.
"Agreed Homura-san." Yumi replied in agreement. "I still remember the time he was making potato salad using watered down potato chips..." She then sighed out.
"I'll have you know it was an adequate meal that day." Yusuke assured. "Besides, I needed to save for that new set of brushes for that particular piece." He then added.
"Dude, you should've just ate them as potato chips!" Ryuji however declared.
"I need variety in my diet." Yusuke stated, as if it was a normal thing.
"...Did you just eat chips for the whole day?" Akira guessed in a cautious manner.
"No, three." Yusuke corrected.
SMACK!
Instantly, the group save for the artist all smacked their foreheads to hearing and learning this.
"...Can someone be his accountant? Because his split shouldn't be going down the drain this fast." Akira eventually requested as he tried to find a toothpick to test the cake.
"You know, you can buy brushes and paints online for cheaper than what stores sell at. Delivery is usually free and- ULP!?" Makoto began to inform, only to choke when the boy suddenly hugged her.
"Oi! Watch it Yusuke!" Homura however ordered while the light grey haired girl nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, I think you're suffocating Makoto-chan!" Asuka added as she watched the girl's face turn a bit blue.
"I knew this day would come, but it was caused by someone else." Ann sighed out as the tan skinned girl pried the boy away from the Shujin President.
"Good news everyone!" Akira suddenly called out from the kitchen. "The oven was on 165. Cake's supposed to be baked on 200 so that's an extra 30 minutes!" He then informed.
"Eep!" Asuka squeaked in embarrassment at her blunder.
"Huh!? Aw come on..." Ann whined before grabbing the remote. "May as well see if there are any updates on Kaneshiro." She soon decided before turning on the TV. She flipped through the channels until she settled on the national news.
"...And that was the follow-up report on the suspect Kaneshiro. Now, Akechi-san..." The news reporter concluded before turning to his guest for the night.
"Aw crap." Homura grumbled under her breath.
"This case is said to be the result of the Phantom Thieves' actions, but in actuality, is this true?" The news reporter questioned.
"Considering how a calling card is scattered about, as well as their acts of vandalism, I believe there's no mistaking that." Akechireplied with his usual kind smile. "The question is what the Phantom Thieves actually did. If they tampered with a suspect's heart, it casts doubt on the authenticity of any confession." He then stated.
"Objection!" Asuka suddenly declared while pointing a finger at the TV.
"That is a lie and we know it...I think." Akira thought as he narrowed his eyes.
"So then, by tampering with hearts, the Phantom Thieves are fabricating crimes that may not exist?" The news reporter assumed.
"What a wrong assumption of us..." Yumi mumbled in disapproval. "It doesn't even work that way. Our targets truly are guilty." She then declared.
"We can't deny the possibility. There's no doubt that the Phantom Thieves are exposing hidden injustices in society. However, if this is done by sidestepping the law, their way of thinking is very dangerous." Akechi stated.
"So in a way, they're outlaws." The reporter summarised.
"Maybe, but we're doing a whole lot more than the police at the moment." Homura remarked while rolling her eyes. "No offense Makoto-senpai." She then added.
"None taken." Makoto replied.
"Yes. They're no different than the criminals they target. This cannot be overlooked." Akechi declared.
"I see." The reporter replied with a nod.
"I see, my ass." Ryuji however grumbled.
"Phrasing." Akira coughed out.
"Why the hell're we bein' treated as the bad guys!?" The dyed blond soon complained.
"Just let them say whatever they want. More people are starting to understand that what we're doing is right, after all." Ann pointed out.
"Yeah, he's probably on damage control. People are beginning to turn against him online." Asuka added as she pulled out her phone to check the Phan-site. Many on the forum were assuming the same thing, but there were still a sizable number of defenders on the site.
"He would change his tune if he learned of the Metaverse." Makoto remarked.
"We can't keep dragging people into the Metaverse." Morgana spoke up. "One of these days we're going to get someone killed like that." He then stated.
"Morgana's right. One too many people know about the Metaverse already, and not everyone is going to use their powers responsibly." Akira agreed with a nod. "We have a good team already. Let's make sure it's kept that way." He then stated.
"Yeah. It's our job to protect the weak and let the people know they can stand up." Asuka got out.
"And to prove our own justice." Yumi stated with determination.
"Hell yeah!" Ryuji cheered out. "You know, when I'm walkin' around in town, I hear a lot more people talkin' about us too. And the forum's been full of hype! Do you think we made it big time?" He then revealed and asked.
"Don't get pompous over dealing with some street thug. Save it for after we deal with a bigger target." Morgana stated.
"That was the plan from the start, anyways!" Ryuji called out, pumping his fist in the air.
"True, it may be best if we start thinking about it." Yumi agreed.
"I bet we'll find one in no time. The wind's blowin' in our direction and everything! I feel like we won't lose to anything right now." Ryuji declared in a confident manner.
"Don't get cocky. We'll make mistakes like that." Akira warned with a frown.
"Well, we'll decide on that eventually. We need to overcome our exams first." Makoto soon stated and reminded. "Now then, break time's over! Let's get back to-" She soon began, however...
"That reminds me," Ryuji interrupted. "The celebration party. Weren't we gonna do it after exams?" He soon asked.
"Ignoring our studies..." Makoto finished with a sigh.
"Yes, I believe so." Yumi answered as she shut her textbook.
"Where should we go? I feel like I'll study better if I got something to look forward to." Ryuji soon got out.
"The last one was a buffet at a hotel. We haven't gone anywhere since." Morgana stated as he shook his head.
"...Hm!? A buffet!?" Yusuke spoke up, perking up at the mention. "...How much is it?" He then asked.
"6,000 yen a head?" Homura recalled before deadpanning at the artist, who acted as if he was shot through the heart.
"Eh. Don't want a repeat. Besides, it's full of pompous, judgemental rich people who have nothing better to do but pig out there every day." Akira stated in a casual manner.
"Despite me swiping some wallets?" Homura quipped out, getting chuckles from the boys that were there at the time.
"While fun, people still treated us differently for just being there, Homura." Ann reminded with a frown. "Pickpocketing and petty pranks aren't going to solve that." She then added.
"...You really wanna go back there, huh." Akira assumed.
The girl looked a little guilty at that. "Yeah but...yeah, Ann's right. That place is out." Homura conceded.
"Where would be good...?" Ann mumbled out as the Thieves gave it some thought. "Hey, what about fireworks!? A fireworks festival!" She soon gasped.
"A fireworks festival!?" Asuka repeated in a surprised tone. She totally forgot about that.
"Oh yeah, it's that season, huh!" Ryuji got out.
"That sounds good to me." Makoto agreed with a nod.
"It's hard to ignore a buffet, but I'll take the beauties of summer." Yusuke conceded with a smile. "Still, I demand that we feast during the festival as well." He then declared.
"Maybe we can get a private room or something..." Akira suggested.
"Do you guys own a yukata? Will you wear a yukata!?" Morgana soon enough asked in excitement.
"Ooh! I brought mine!" Asuka happily got out. "I knew I'd need it someday." She then added.
"As did I." Yumi replied with a smile and a nod. Meanwhile, it seemed like the tan skinned girl liked looking at the clean floors more than her friends.
"I'm gonna take a wild guess and say Homura doesn't have a yukata though." Ann assumed.
To that, the tan skinned girl in mention dropped her head. "Didn't really plan on attending...ever...so I don't own one..." Homura muttered.
The ash blonde in response to that smiled. "No problem Homura, I'll help you get one." She replied as she winked to her friend.
"Thanks." Homura replied with a smile before turning to Akira. "So, what do you say, Leader?" She soon asked.
"It's a great idea." Akira answered. "I guess that's our party to celebrate another heist done right." He then stated.
"Maybe afterwards." Asuka got out with a shrug. "When is it happening?"
"The 18th." Yusuke answered before double-checking on his phone.
"Sweet. Perfect timing too." Homura got out with a smile.
"All right, fireworks festival, it is! Let's look for a good spot!" Ryuji got out as he pumped his fist.
"Studies comes first, though. I won't let you off if you fail any of them. Are we clear?" Makoto stated in a vaguely threatening tone.
"Y-Yes, ma'am..." Ryuji whimpered. Why were all the girls bullying him today...?
"Whipped like whipped cream." Akira chuckled out.
DING!
"Speaking of which, time to put some on the cake." Akira added as he got up.
"Sweet!" Ryuji cheered out while the ash blonde drooled.
"Not that sweet. It's coffee cake." Asuka soon informed.
"Aw, come on!" Ryuji complained. "Man, I thought we were getting chocolate." He then mumbled out.
"Don't knock it 'til you try it." Akira stated as he set the cake down on the table...before the Shujin Student Council President instantly picked it up. "Hey!" He got out.
"Come on, you can all have some once you all can answer a page of questions." Makoto soon got out, taking the cake away, causing everyone to groan before getting back to work.
Despite this, Asuka and Homura both felt their Knowledge increase a bit from studying along with their friends.
However, none of the Thieves were aware of the tiny microphone underneath the counter, or the camera hidden in the shadows zooming in on the Student Council President's face.
(?)
"Study comes first, though. I won't let you off if you fail any of them. Are we clear?"
"Y-Yes, ma'am..."
"Whipped like whipped cream."
"Mmm...Whipped cream..." The hacker drooled while absent-mindedly looking up who this girl was, bringing up a few files on her two seconds later. "Let's see...near perfect grades, weakest subject is social studies and even then in the 90s...No outstanding medical conditions...perfectly clean. I'm impressed." She had to admit as she then looked at the cake. "Wow, that looks good." She soon confessed as she kicked her lips.
She wondered if Sojiro would mind making cake for her... or if she had one delivered here.
"I mean, the last cake I had was when-" She then began before trailing off and frowning. "W-When... " She then started as...
"̶̢̭̖̯̳͖̗̙̻͇̝̣̝͚̥̾̎͂̀̂͑͒̅̿̄͜͝ͅͅY̸͎͙͇̅͂̃̊̐̃͑̇̀̏̇̀͘͠͝͠͝Ơ̴̢͈̗̦͍̥̳͗͊͑́̒̊̈́̀̒̚͝͝Ü̶̢̢͎̼͙͓͇͇̗̺̺̱͕̔̓ ̶̡̞̬̮̳̙͔͔̘̼̲͇̪̰͉̪̓̈́̊̔̇̃̿̍̾̿̚͝Ķ̴̡̧̤͙͔̜͇͔̼̳͓̟̦̱̫͕́͠I̷̛̘͖͔͔͉̦̩̮̫̖̔͑̇̂̇̈̒̎͆͘̕͝͝L̷͈͙̟͔̯̫͍̼̬͔͖͔̦̝͚̜̙̯̂͗̉́̆̋̒̈́͊̅̆̚͝Ḷ̸̨̳̦̭̟̼̟͙̯̊̈́̒̆́̍̑͠͠E̸̛͖̫̱̱̠̹̤͂͊̾̆̊̀̿͗͂̽͆̒̎͂͐̚͝D̶̨̳̤͙̘̤̋͊̉͑́̀̓̽̍̄̆͝͝ͅ ̴̡̧̨̗̠̰͕͕̜̠̜̼̽͑͌̍̑̆͑̔̏̈́́́̏̂̾̊̉͝H̶̗͚͑̈͆̓͊͘Ę̷͈̘͚̤̺̘̼̣̳̙̮͐̇̀̊̀̋͗̆̊̀͌͂͌̚̚R̴̡̰̭̬̤͍͕̣͚̩̬͍͈̺͇̠͓̣̯̂́̐̎̅́̑͗̽̇̄̚͝͠!̷̼̲͐̊̅̄̾̌̂͒̑̀̀̑͝"̷̧͕͎̞̞̳̤͓̣̦̣͍͎̣̩̐̒̽̎̄
"N-Ngh..." The hacker groaned as she clutched her head. "Shut up...shut up...! Stop talking!"
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
"Futaba, you okay?" A voice from the other side asked. "I got the printer you wanted."
"I-I'm fine. Just..." Futaba panted out before wiping her forehead. Wait, why was she sweating? When was she sweating?
T̴̛͉̖͈̮͕͈̘̠̙͒̾̏͛̊͌͠Ḧ̵̭̗͉̞́̑̋Ị̸̢̮͔͈͆̀̇̓͂̓̀́͋̈́̈̕̕͝S̸͚̼̦̥̳̳̲̫̋̆͗̇͜ ̴̘͐̈́͑͒Ị̷̧͕̫̺̜̳̥̙͙̯̘͚̝̰̎̀͛Ş̵̨̛͍̱̦̦̘̺͊̽̄̇̄̽͒̅͘̚̕͜͝ ̵̧̛͖̮̱̤͉̻̦̅̈́̊͒͗̾̔̚͠ͅA̸̙̝͕̻͎̜͖̰̱̺͐̀̈́͜ͅL̸̢̗͔̝̭̮̯͉̭͕͓͚̀͛̏̔̈́̌͋̔̿̋͂̏̋̆͘L̵̞͖̲̜̜̘̙̹͍̟̂͊́͗͜ ̷̛̠̻̠̿͂͗Y̷̢̧͍̠̠̭̫̗͍͗̂͐̆̕͝͠Ô̶̧͎̘̜̜͈̬̫̪͆̓̈́̉̌͑͌̾̋̀͝͝Ŭ̶͖̝̖͛͐̽͌͗R̸̛̎͆̓̎͊̈́̿̅͆̕̕͜͠͠ ̶̢̧͚̺̥̯̝̻̫̭͕̲́F̸̧̨̡̧̢̛͙͚͔͉̲̗̬̬̮̀͒̓͝͝Ä̷̡͓͉̯͎̭͔͓͓̣͈̞͙́̈͋͛͠͝Ư̵̢̫͔̯̪̬̠̤̲̞͓͍̩͔͌͗͗̚͜͝Ḷ̶̛͓̙̞͈͈̰̳̍̾͋̓̈́́Ţ̸̧̡̧̛̝͓̩̪͚͑̊̌̔̊ ̴̡̩̪̩̜͒͆͋̀M̷̢̨̺̳̼͙̤̼̺̲̗̳̙͑͊́̈́̇̋͜U̴̢̨̥̲̺͇̥̰̭͊̍̔͌̀͐̈́͂R̸̯̲̤͉͓̟͎̬̤̰̿̈́̽̊̅̊̀̉͂͆̍̈́͠͝D̶̢̢̯̠͕̣̜͖͍̬̥͎̟́̈́̿̓̆̄̚͜ͅE̴̦̤͇̦̔̎̀̀̽̄̐̊͘͝͠R̵̨̢͍͉̝̥̥̻̝̼̞̩̱̞̊̾E̴̘̭̯͕̥̗̮̟̟̙̮̗̪̿͗̾̉́́̈́̓̿̕ͅR̶̞̖͍̊͒̍
"Ahhh...!" Futaba screamed, her ears ringing.. "T-They're...They keep staring at me...!" She sobbed out.
"What was that? Futaba? Futaba!?" Her ẗ̸̹́͊̅͒̕͝ͅṏ̸̼́̒̃̏͆̾̾̌̂̾m̵͖̲̩͎̼̖͔̱̰̰̮̘̏́̈́̒̀̐̅̊̇̍͌̍͊b̸̢̡̢̰͕͍̜̹͓̗͈̱̰̩̑̆'̸͕͎̼͍͛̾̇̃̈̀̇̈́̒͠͝͝͠ͅș̶̡̨̪̦̭̯̦̉͂̔̓̿́̐̓̓̚ ̶̡̨̢̪̮͚̙̺̺̑̇ç̶̧̗̲̣̗̬͈͕̗͓̩̪̝̬̌ä̴̛̛̰̘̔̂̆̾͛͌̽̃͛̄͠r̸̨̐̅̋̃̃̋̈́̌̆͝ē̴̢̫̠͎̋̂t̸̢̜͕͍͈̝̩̼̰̝̰̥́͗̀͂̄͂̿͒̕͝͝ą̶̝̟͇͓̞̦̼͖̈́̓̀͊̀͂̽̈́̈́̽̐͐̋͂̕͜ķ̷̤̞̬̹̤̝͍̺͌̎̚͜ę̷̜͉̤̜̳͈͙͎͙́̃̽̓͊̕͠ŗ̸̢̱͈̖̙̬̤̦̲̟̣̥̖̐̏̀̃̄͑̓͊́̇̚͝ got out in concern.
I̷͉̺̩͔̯̘̰̩͙͒̉̈́̇͑̄̓̽͘ ̴͔̘̼͖͍͙͙̖̰͝W̷̡̨̗̣̼͈͉̬̞̻̫̫̳̑̇̾̉͒̄͆̊̎͆̌̇́̋̚͝͠͠ͅͅͅĮ̸̢̢̖̼̰͎͖͉͖͇̻̲̖͔͒͆̀̽͜ͅS̸̢̧̠̱̘̤̖̫̼͙̮̲͙̲͚͙͆H̸̬̲̤̳̋͒̊͂̊̽̈͐̍̈́̅̀̿̚̚͘͝Ȇ̵̳̬͇̗̯̯̪̥̪̹̭D̴̡̡͇̘̺͙̝̗̠͈̘͋̓̀̈́͊̂̕̕̚ ̵̢̡̛̛͔̰̼̜̤̟͉̗͚̗͇̤̖̯̲̻̉̀̐̎́͋̿̾̀̓̆̏͜͝͝͠Y̶͎͗̑̽̅̑̊́͝O̴͙̙͈̮͈̳̿͊̈͠U̷̹̩̠͈̥̟͉͇͐̒̾̍̀́̆̒͜ ̴̡̧̢͙̟̟̭̯̰̮̜͎̘̥̬͙͗͊̒̇͛̿̇͛̃̈́̂̌̑̈́̒͝ͅW̶̨̪̱̞̥̻̫͊̌̌͑̔̐͗͝Ę̵̡̨̬̭͚̫̪͖̩̦̠̣͚͛͆̃̅̈̈͛̏̐̀̄̋̈̌͛̃̕͝͠Ŗ̴̨̨͖͈̮̺̫̭̖̬͇̘̘͎̞́̀̏̀͒̽̓̄͋͠͝E̸̢͖̫͙̪̠̙͖̖̿͌̾́̌̌̀̍̋͊̂͋͌͌͘͝͠ ̷̡͇̖͕͚̼͉̞͓̌̍̇̕͝Ņ̷̛̮̭̩̠̣̭͈̰̪̦͍̤̯̯̜̟̃̊̀̀͂͑̋̃̽͑̈́̒̍̋̊̍̌̕Ë̵͎̦̤̼̖́̅̈́̽́͊̽̆͌̕̚V̶̡̗̘͉̭̺̱̜̝͔̪̝̦̲̠̼͈̥̭͝È̶̢̤̭̖͎͖̮̝͖͚͇͉͓͕̙́̎̂͌̊͗̾̈́͐̈̑̊͒͋Ŗ̸̛̛̮͇̗̞̬͇̖͖̼͈͙̊͂̾̾̓̏̈́̈́̐̕͠ ̷̗̓̓̒͋Ḅ̶̨̲̞̟̣͕̩̖͕͇͚̬͝Ơ̷̛̹͈̖̤̯̾͋͆̿̒̌͆̃̎͛̎̐̆͝Ŗ̸̡̡̮̜̻̥̲̠͕̹̯͉̙̼͕̂̎́͌̈́̿̋͐̓̀̈̂̀̃͒̔͘͝͝ͅN̶͍̬̼̾
She could see her.
She could see the hate.
She could see the disdain for her very existence in her eyes.
"Mom...please stop looking..." Futaba soon mumbled in fear, crawling under her blankets and curling up.
Although, it's not like sleep would allow her to escape the nightmares.
(Shin Megami Apartment Complex)
"I really wished we had fewer friends so we could take the leftovers home." Homura got out as she unlocked the door.
"That's terrible." Asuka laughed out as she playfully punched her roommate's arm. "But it was some really good cake." She then admitted.
"You have to make more some time." Homura then got out.
"Not all the time, Homu-nee. But maybe when there's something we can only celebrate together." Asuka stated before letting out a yawn.
"You okay, Sis?" Homura asked in concern.
"I'm fine, just sleepy. I've been working all day after all." Asuka mumbled out. "I think I'm gonna head to bed early." She soon decided.
"But what about a bath?" Homura got out, only to see that her roommate was gone and that there were soft snores coming from their bedroom. "...I guess you needed to. Night, Sis." She muttered with a smile on her face.
BZZT! BZZT!
"What now..." Homura sighed out as she checked the IM.
[TheWildJ0ker: Heads up. Mishima sent me something on the Phan-site. We have a yandere at our school.]
[FireGirl20:...What's a yandere?]
[TheWildJ0ker: A love sick girl. Usually crazy with a capital Q]
[TheWildJ0ker: She has a blog and it gets really concerning in its most recent posts. Keep an eye out for a girl on the second floor and make sure she doesn't pull out a knife until we change her heart.]
[FireGirl20: Got it, Leader. I won't let her hurt a student.]
(...)
[TheWildJ0ker: By the way, have you been talking to your team from Hebijo?]
[FireGirl20: Who?]
[FireGirl20: Oh, wait. Haruka, Yomi, Hikage and]
(...)
[FireGirl20: Mirai.]
(... )
[FireGirl20: I hit send before I finished it.]
(... )
[FireGirl20: I swear, it was a mistake.]
(...)
(...)
(...)
[FireGirl20: OK.]
[FireGirl20: I admit, I haven't thought about them since your kidnapping.]
(...)
[FireGirl20: Shit.]
[TheWildJ0ker: Are your bonds really that thin?]
[FireGirl20: No! Just...Dammit, I'll make it up to them soon.]
[TheWildJ0ker: I get that you've been busy with everything, but even so.]
[TheWildJ0ker: "Soon" should be after this conversation ends.]
[FireGirl20: ...Damn.]
[TheWildJ0ker: Do you want Mirai's new number? She just got a new phone after Hikage crushed it under her heel.]
[FireGirl20: WHAT DO MEAN YOU'VE GOT MIRAI'S NUMBER!?]
[TheWildJ0ker: Exactly what it means?]
[TheWildJ0ker: You need to stop repeating after people.]
[FireGirl20: No, I mean, how did you get it?]
[TheWildJ0ker: ...She called me.]
(...)
[TheWildJ0ker: Sort of realized now that I should put a lock on my phone.]
[FireGirl20: Probably.]
[FireGirl20: So why did she contact you?]
[TheWildJ0ker: ...I think she wanted you to call first. See that you still care instead of having to remind you.]
[TheWildJ0ker: Do it tonight. Bye.]
"Do you really need to guilt trip me so late...?" Homura grumbled as she rubbed the back of her neck before the Leader sent Mirai's phone number to her.
She soon let out a sigh. It was true she was neglecting her relationship with her team, but it couldn't be that bad...
"Well, I guess calling them before heading to bed wouldn't hurt..." Homura admitted as she looked at her phone.
(Hebijo Academy, Elite's Room)
Mirai and Yomi were having quite the conversation as they played with Poochie. Akira had promised to get Homura to contact them so they were simply waiting and enjoying themselves before they decided to go to bed for the night.
"...How did you know Suzune-sensei bought the cheapest dog food?" Mirai had to ask, only for the blonde to remain quiet. "...I think I already know the answer." She soon thought.
BZZT! BZZT!
Immediately, Mirai picked up her phone in a casual manner without seeing the caller ID. "Hello?" She greeted.
"Hey there..." Homura awkwardly replied. "...Shit, fuck! I forgot we have to say the code first. It was...why am I not remembering now-" She then started as she frantically tried to remember.
"HOMURA!?" Mirai exclaimed, getting the bean sprout-loving blonde's attention as she turned on the speaker.
"Huh!?" Yomi got out in shock to hear that.
"Yeah..." Homura mumbled out. "Sorry I haven't called in a while..." She soon apologized.
"Of course it's been a while!" Yomi declared as she rushed off as well. "What have you been doing all this time!? Do you have anything on the shutdowns, or maybe even the Phantom Thieves?" She then began to ask.
"Well...I've been making sure to maintain my cover." Homura answered. "I sort of made myself stand out a bit when I first arrived thanks to Kamoshida, so I've been working on making sure I had a good image." She then explained.
"Yeah..." Mirai got out in understanding before frowning. "Wait, weren't you on the news once...?" She soon pointed out.
"Excuse me? Oh crap, that." Homura remembered. "Um, yeah, there was no helping that. I just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time." She then admitted.
"I got a little worried if that happened on your first day. That seemed a little like a bad omen." Yomi soon confessed.
"It kinda was, wasn't it..." Homura mumbled. "You guys didn't exactly help with that." She then added in disapproval.
"R-Right, the kidnapping of your friend thing..." Yomi awkwardly remembered.
"Exactly." Homura replied. "Jeez, you guys really jumped the gun with that one." She then added.
"Well, it didn't seem like you were doing anything to help with your mission..." Yomi murmured.
"I assure you, I have a lead." Homura soon reassured.
"And that lead has given you...?" Yomi however asked.
"N-Not much. But it's way more than anyone else has." Homura responded.
"And the Phantom Thieves?" Mirai had to ask. They were getting bigger by the day.
"It's...It's very difficult to pinpoint them. Slippery bastards." Homura mumbled in a somewhat ashamed manner.
"So...you have nothing. After, what? Three months?" Yomi deadpanned.
"Suzune gave me the year for a reason!" Homura countered and reminded. "Look, I'm sure everything will work out before I return so don't worry about it. It will be fine." She then stated with a sigh.
"Still..." Yomi got out in concern, however...
"Arf! Arf!" Poochie suddenly barked out while chasing her own tail.
"...was that a puppy?" Homura asked in confusion. "Oh god, did those things in Haruka's basement lab breed again?" She soon assumed in an exasperated manner.
"No no, it's just a stray we, uh, found." Mirai explained.
"Does Suzune-sensei know about her?"
"Yep. She even buys the dog food." Yomi answered. "Hikage is the one who takes care of Poochie though." She then stated.
"Poochie?" Homura repeated.
"It's her name. You better come back soon if you wanna meet her." Mirai informed.
"Erm, given my luck, she'd probably bite my ass off." Homura grumbled, probably unconsciously rubbing her butt right now.
"Nah, Poochie's still too young and very well behaved to do something like that," Mirai reassured. "Here, let me send you a pic of Poochie." She then offered before sending a photo.
"...Good god that puppy is adorable!" Homura cooed, surprising the two to hearing their Leader say something like that. "Wait, what's that on her back? That looks like a..." She soon noticed before going quiet. "...What did they make you do?" She suddenly and quickly questioned in a serious manner that sounded like she wanted to murder something.
"Nothing! It was just a bad previous owner." Yomi answered before the first year could say anything. "Don't worry, Haruka-san fixed her up and she's good as new." She then assured.
"Really?" Homura got out with interest in her tone. "Because I've fought my fair share of ninja dogs as training..." She then muttered out.
"It's not that. Poochie just managed to wander into the grounds and we kept her as a pet. Nothing more." Yomi informed. However, just then Mirai put her phone on mute.
"Why aren't you saying that the staff and Imu made Hikage stab her?" Mirai asked in a whisper.
"Because she would burn down the school and murder Imu."
"..."
"...And that's a bad thing." Yomi groaned as she slapped her forehead. "Especially when someone could be listening." She then added through gritted teeth.
"...Oh." Mirai got out as she realised what sort of trouble, or death, she may get. "Stupid Yoke Technique..." She grumbled with regret while rubbing the back of her neck.
"The fact that you aren't dead right now means no one is listening. You should be more careful with your words." Yomi chided.
"I'm sorry..." Mirai mumbled.
"Hello? Are you guys still there?" Homura got out with a bit of concern in her tone. "Hello?"
"Ah, sorry Homura, just had to deal with something real quick." Mirai responded. "But uh, don't worry about things back here. We got it." She then reassured.
"Gai, we're doing fine." Yomi added.
"Okay. I trust you guys to not get yourselves killed while I'm away." Homura responded, although the tone in her voice made her sound somewhat unsure. "Anyways, I need to head to bed. I have exams on Wednesday and I need to study. Shujin has some high standards for the worst school in the state." She then informed and explained.
"It did have the rapist." Mirai admitted.
"And good riddance to him. I'll try to call more often, okay? Good night and don't do anything reckless." Homura then warned.
"Do you mind taking your own advice sometimes?" Mirai joked.
"I know to do that every day." Homura however countered in amusement before hanging up.
That however once more surprised the two to hear their Leader being more playful than before. It felt different then how it was in the past.
"...Is it weird I like hearing Homura-chan like that?" Yomi soon asked.
"No, it's just different from usual." Mirai replied as she looked at the blonde. "...Do we really have this?" She then asked.
"It'll get better. Hopefully, when someone here has a change of heart." Yomi assured.
(Hebijo Academy, Suzune's Office)
"Fail...fail...fail...pass...fail...fail...fail...pass...pass...fail...and fail." Suzune mumbled to herself as she went through her papers. "And that should be all. A shame so many didn't keep their rooms tidy." She soon lamented. "Now to assign the highest scoring ones with dog kennels..." She then decided.
KICK!
"Suzune-sensei! I have a question!" Miyabi declared as she stomped into the room.
"Already kicking down doors. Your recovery is going quite well." Suzune remarked. "I thought it would take you at least a few more weeks." She then admitted.
"I'm stronger than you think." Miyabi soon declared.
"You're overestimating your strength." Suzune however countered. "Now I'm in the middle of doing my paperwork that needs to be turned in tomorrow. Can it be saved for later?" She then sighed.
"No." Miyabi however responded as she shook her head and narrowed her eyes. "Look what's happening out there! We have Phantom Thieves going around thinking they're heroes. You know it's only a matter of time, if not right now, that the Good Shinobi Faction are recruiting them. One of these days, we're all getting calling cards and dragging ourselves to prison." She then stated.
"You're suggesting we recruit them." Suzune soon stated.
"I'm suggesting we neutralise them." Miyabi corrected. "They are wild cards. They could be key players if they ever get involved, or even destroy the shinobi way of life. We have to put a stop to it." She then declared.
Suzune soon narrowed her eyes as she looked straight at the white haired girl. "So you wish to go to Tokyo yourself, Miyabi?" She questioned.
"Yes." Miyabi answered with a determined look on her face.
Suzune sighed and shook her head. "...Give me some time. Come back next week and we'll see." She soon stayed.
"Not any sooner than that?" Miyabi tried to reason.
"Nope. That is, if you don't feel confident you can't pass your physical exams." Suzune answered.
Miyabi blinked before nodding. "...I will pass. With flying colors." She promised.
"Then get going. Your exam will begin tomorrow at 6 AM." Suzune responded.
"Hai, sensei. I will prepare." Miyabi responded as she bowed. "Good night." She then added before heading out the door.
As soon as Miyabi left, her serious mask fell away for a more tired and annoyed expression. "She is going to get herself killed." Rin groaned while rubbing the bridge of her nose. Her own stubbornness and her drive to prove herself was either going to help or humiliate her. Or both in the best case scenario.
So, Rin soon decided to take out her phone just as it started vibrating. "Daidōji." She began in a serious tone as she answered. "Why are you calling at this hour?" She soon questioned.
"I was wondering if I could get your input on something." Daidōji soon appealed.
"For the last time, fighting your own Persona is a losing battle." Rin bluntly stated as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
"It's not about that." Daidōji assured, although she was planning on conquering it some day.
"Hm?" Rin hummed out in a curious manner with a raised eyebrow.
"It's about...Asuka." Daidōji muttered out.
"Asuka...Hanzō's granddaughter, correct?" Rin remembered after a bit of thought. "Do you assume she is like us?" She then assumed.
"Yes. And I'm thinking about-" Daidōji began, however...
"No." Rin instantly denied.
"You didn't let me finish." Daidōji got out. Rin could almost hear her pout.
"I know the end of that sentence, and no." Rin explained in a serious tone. "She will distrust you. Do not hint at anything that could reveal you." She soon ordered.
"...I guess you are right, Rin-senpai." Her kouhai sighed out. "Sorry to bother you."
"Actually, I need your input as well." Rin got out. "It's in regards to Miyabi. She just came in to see me."
"The daughter of Hebijo, right?" Daidōji repeated.
"Principal's daughter." Rin corrected with a sigh. "He's quite a decent fellow and I'm not just saying that since he was the one who saved me during that mission. Although, our biggest investor usually has the last say in everything." She then explained and revealed.
"I see," Daidōji got out. "So, what about his daughter?" She soon asked.
"She's badgering me to let her go to Tokyo." Rin answered. "Do you think it's a good idea?" She then questioned.
"If she wishes to prove herself, allow her. If she succeeds, all is well and good. If she doesn't, it's a learning experience." Daidōji responded.
"That is, if she doesn't die." Rin mumbled under her breath. "But thank you, Daidōji. I don't want to take up too much of your time. You have a mission after all while I'm stuck behind a desk." She then replied and reminded.
"Yes, my mission." Daidōji muttered out. "Remind me, how much paperwork do I have to do as a teacher?" She then asked.
"You tell me. Physical education was not my job back in Inaba." Rin pointed out. "You'll do fine. After all, you did it before." She then added in reassurance.
"Barely." Daidōjisighed. "I gotta go to sleep. Night, Rin-senpai."
"Good night. I'll see you in Inaba." Rin replied before hanging up and letting out a breath. She needed to start making plans soon because this situation was beginning to get more and more complicated with every day that passed.
"Is this what Leader feels like when planning trips to the TV world...?" Rin had to wonder as she thought back to those days.
Well, at the very least, she had her comfort bottle to help ease her mind.
"Spoken like a true alcoholic."
"Please be quiet right now, I need to think." Rin murmured to her other self before closing her eyes.
It was going to take a lot of work but she had an idea.
She just hoped it wouldn't kill Miyabi in the end.
Save Game...Quit!
Asuka/Yin's Social Stats:
Leadership- Dependable (Level 3)
Knowledge- Expert (Level 3)
Proficiency- Skilled (Level 3)
Diligence- Strong (Level 3)
Courage- Brave (Level 3)
Homura/Yang's Development Stats:
Maturity- Managed (Level 3)
Knowledge- Expert (Level 3)
Femininity- Tasteful (Level 3)
Elegance- Disciplined (Level 3)
Understanding- Generous (Level 3)
Sorry for the delay, but we were working on three chapters at the same time, but now we're working on two. We just need to connect and fill in details. We will get to Futaba's Palace eventually!
UknownHero signing off, my friends!
