Chapter 57: Capsized Heart of Pride

December 12

Haru: So, I'm thinking of making an appointment with Takakura-san. I need to have an important discussion with him. Do you have time today? I would like you to be present alongside me if possible. I know this will be difficult given the circumstances, but still… It would be quite reassuring if you were there with me, Ren. Please?

Ren: I'll join you.

Haru: Thank you! Collin-kun will be accompanying us as well. I'll contact Takakura-san right away! I sent him a message. Come over to my house at once.

Haru, Ren, and Collin found themselves at the Okumura estate, coffee set out in the lounge area. Takakura was there as well, sitting separate from the trio as he stared at his coffee cup. "So, you'd like me to try this?"

"Please, if only a taste," Haru nodded. "This wasn't made with particularly expensive beans, nor was it brewed by any sort of coffee expert."

Takakura picked up his cup and took a sip. "Hm… This flavor… Interesting… Anyway, what is it you wanted to discuss with me? Does it concern the company?"

"My apologies for bothering you at such a busy time," Haru said in advance.

Takakura shook his head. "It's not a problem."

"The truth is… after my father's passing, I couldn't bring myself to trust anyone at Okumura Foods," Haru admitted.

"I see…" Takakura nodded.

"…That includes you, Takakura-san," Haru pointed out.

"That's quite cruel…" Takakura looked down.

"…My apologies. Now then, um, what I wanted to discuss is…" Haru's voice faded out.

Collin put a comforting hand over hers. "We're here for you, Haru," he whispered. "Believe in yourself."

Haru smiled with a small giggle. "Right… I'll be okay. Takakura-san, what do you think of that coffee? I grew the beans in my own garden, and even handled the preparation."

"What…?" Takakura looked at her in surprise.

"I honestly don't believe it's a particularly good cup of coffee… But I put my heart into making it. That's why I asked you here today, Takakura-san," Haru said.

Takakura took another sip of his coffee. "Hm…"

"I'm not suggesting we need to put this level of effort into the Okumura Foods coffee chain. And I'm not suggesting we should put a halt to the plan either. However, I won't let my company serve low-quality food to our customers," Haru insisted.

"You know… this is very similar to the coffee your grandfather used to make," Takakura recalled.

"What…?" Haru gasped.

"I used to be a regular at his café. That's actually how I ended up joining the company to being with," Takakura revealed. "To be honest, I was strongly opposed to closing the café… but I didn't have the power to make that decision at the time. I was planning on naming the new chain after his shop to make up for that though. I'm going to create a business that is loved by customers and employees alike, just as his café was. A place where people can come to drink in the subtle joys of life."

"Is… that so…?" Haru said with surprise. Even Ren and Collin looked shocked, not seeing this twist in the narrative coming.

Takakura nodded. "Haru-chan. I believe you have every right to distrust us. After all, things would have turned out differently if only someone had chosen to stand up to your father… Be that as it may… I can truly sense the passion you put into this coffee. It seems you really are like your grandfather."

"I… I'm sorry for being so rude…" Haru apologized.

"I must apologize as well, for encouraging you to abandon your shares," Takakura replied. "I thought they would be a burden to you… but I was clearly wrong. Haru-chan, if you'd like… why don't you take part in our next company meeting?"

"Me…?" Haru questioned.

"The truth is, the rumors of my being pleased at your father's death were troubling, to say the least. I understand not everyone agrees with the vision I have for this company… But I've spent great effort struggling against our board of directors to push Okumura Foods back on the right path," Takakura said. "What I need is to communicate that thought as clearly as possible… Just as you did with this coffee. Do you think you could assist me in accomplishing that? I want to rebuild this company from the ground up."

"W-Well… um…" Haru stammered.

"It'll be fine," Ren said.

"Give it all you've got, Haru," Collin cheered.

"O-Okay…!" Haru nodded. "Um, I would be glad to join you!"

Takakura smiled. "Excellent. Your grandfather would be proud… as would your father. By the way, the coffee was superb."

Haru gave him a bow. "Thank you very much!"

"Ah, and… it seems I made yet another misunderstanding. I was under the impression that you were quite thrilled about the arrangement with Sugimura-kun… That is why I was so insistent on hurrying the marriage. I wanted you to have all the support you needed…" Takakura said. "But it appears as though you prefer the young men next you instead."

Collin blushed furiously. "W-What, sir, that's not…!"

"H-Huh!? Um…!" Haru blushed as well, while Ren was as neutral as ever with his expressions.

"Be honest, Haru-chan. What are your thoughts on Sugimura-kun?" Takakura asked.

"I think he's an intelligent man… But… I have no interest in him," Haru answered. "I have no interest in being his wife either. I would prefer to walk my own path. One in which the only person in control of my actions… is me. Not my father, and not Sugimura-san."

"…I understand. You've grown so quickly, Haru-chan," Takakura said. "I didn't realize you became such a strong, kind, mature woman. My apologies for not coming to see that sooner."

"But… what about the contract Sugimura-san made with my father…?" Haru asked. "He said the reparations will be immense if I refuse the marriage…"

"I haven't heard a thing about this contract. Have you seen the document?" Takakura said.

"Huh…? Well, now that you mention it… no, I haven't," Haru admitted.

"And neither your father nor our lawyers mentioned it to me," Takakura said. "It seems he was lying… and may have had the help of particular people within the company. You see, those who don't agree with my vision brought him into meetings with the hope that he would eventually take over. However… we don't need a politician in our midst, particularly considering the humble roots of our corporation. As for the marriage cancellation, I'll handle it. It may take some time, but it will be done… I promise."

"Thank you…!" Haru smiled. The four of them enjoyed their coffee before Takakura left them all with a farewell. "Today was a huge success. I was able to tell Takakura-san how I feel, and he actually understood. Not only about the company, but about Sugimura-san as well. I was so afraid… but now that it's over, I think it was honestly pretty simple. I only made it to this point because you were with me though… Thank you, Ren-kun, Collin-kun."

"You're very welcome," Collin smiled.

"You did amazing," Ren said.

"You did too, you know?" Haru said, giggling. "Anyway, um… I only started trusting people again because you were by my side helping me. So, I want to return the favor. Please confide in me if your ever need help. I'll be there for you. Oh, that reminds me! Takakura-san said something… a little strange, didn't he? Th-Th-That I… like you…"

"Y-Yeah… I'm already dating Loona, so that was embarrassing…" Collin sighed.

"Goodness, why would he say that…?" Haru blushed. "Why do you think…?"

"He saw us as good friends," Ren said.

"…O-Oh, okay," Haru said. "You're… probably right. I mean, that's all we are, so…"

"Haru?" Collin asked.

She stood up from her seat. "A-Anyway, um… I should go study… I have entrance exams coming up… so I don't really have time to be sitting around here… But, um… thank you for today…"

'…Well now I feel bad about breaking her heart like that…' Ren thought as he and Collin went home for the day.

[***]

December 16

Haru: Yesterday I had a big meeting at the company… And I have some things I'd like to say about that. Do you have time to spare today? I know this is a difficult period for you, but I want to tell you about it…

Ren: I'll spend time with you.

Haru: Thank you! In that case, let's meet at Leblanc. I would love a cup of Sakura-san's delicious coffee.

"My, this has such profoundly bold flavor…" Haru said as she took a sip of her coffee.

"I heard you've been getting into the roasting scene, little lady," Sojiro said.

Haru nodded. "Yes. I often have the urge to drink a fresh cup of your coffee."

"Heh, that near brings a tear to my eye," Sojiro smiled. "Well, I'm heading home now. Ren, close up shop for me, will you?"

"Got it, Boss," Ren said as Sojiro left.

"Later, Boss!" Collin waved goodbye.

"I was finally able to convey my feelings during the company meeting," Haru said. "Not just about the new chain, but about the future of the company, and even about Father… I think my presence angered some people at first, but in the end they all listened to my thoughts."

"You've done great, Haru," Collin praised.

"All that nervousness was exhausting… I've had diplomatic dealings with VIPs before, but I've never once spoken my true feelings…" Haru admitted. "That aside, after talking with management, I've decided to let them handle Okumura Foods. It's simply not something I would have been able to supervise on my own. And after their sincere acceptance of the public's criticism, I felt it was okay to trust them."

She took another sip of her coffee. "As for my future goals… I'm interested in opening a small private café. Everything will be home-grown, from the coffee to the salad. I want to set my own standards. It'll be a shop that people love, like Grandfather's… and like this place. What do you think?"

"I'm sure you'll succeed," Ren replied.

"It's a pretty boring dream, huh? But when you say that… I feel like it will actually happen," Haru smiled. "Truth be told, I don't plan on opening the shop immediately after I graduate. I'll need to study and improve my knowledge beforehand. After all, right now it's only a hobby. Perhaps I should apprentice here at Leblanc in the meantime?"

"If you want," Ren shrugged.

"The coffee I had after spending the night crying… its warmth permeated through my body… I hope to open a store where others can feel that warmth," Haru said. "Either way, I think this dream of mine will be no easy feat. But I somehow managed to tackle my childhood dream of becoming a heroine of justice. If I act with resolve and believe in my actions, I know I'll be able to achieve anything."

Haru smiled at the boys. "I'm so glad I met you both. At first it was nice to have someone that understands me… but now, it's much more. There may be times where people resent me for it, but as long as you're here, I'll be okay. You know… I'd like to return the favor. If you ever find yourself in trouble, I'll be there for you. Feel free to rely on me from now on. I have the strength to help you… I can sense it."

'I feel a strong bond with Haru… and a change in her power!' Collin thought as Haru's Persona changed, going from the elegant Milady to the mystical Astarte!

"When I open my café, I'll let you be my first customers," Haru promised.

"I look forward to that," Ren said.

"I'll bring a "congratulations on the new café" present!" Collin added.

Haru giggled. "I can't wait. My, look at the time. We've been speaking for quite a while! I should be going now! Take care." The trio walked to the station together to make sure Haru got home safely that night.

[***]

December 17

Location: Mementos

With the elections only a day away, the Phantom Thieves decided to head into Mementos to finish up any outstanding requests they hadn't fulfilled yet, the first on the list being a con artist that liked to scam the elderly. Once the Shadow was dealt with, the door to the next area of Mementos opened up for them.

"Looking at this on a larger scale, this is the fifty-second area, yes? I wonder how many are left…" Queen said.

"We'll just have to find out with our own eyes! Let's go!" Mona said.

The team was now in Sheriruth, where they found their next targets in form of a supposed "lady-killer" and a producer that took advantage of his clients. Once the targets were taken care of, the Phantom Thieves found themselves at the bottom of the current area, with yet another door blocking their way.

"So… are we not going to address that the last Shadow we fought was a penis demon?" Lycan said.

"I'd rather we not talk about that," Omen sighed.

"But, like, it totally was…" Lycan went on.

"Loona, please don't talk about the penis demon!" Templar pleaded.

The hellhound backed off. "Okay then…"

"Mementos is weird…" Joker sighed. "And it doesn't look like this door is going to open yet…"

"Guess people don't accept us enough for this door to open," Skull shrugged.

"Th-There's nothing we can do right now. This is as far as we can go," Mona said.

As the gang left, however, Omen could have sworn she heard a voice calling out to her. "Via… Be careful… Via… The one… who controls… is…"

Futaba: Sheesh, everything I see is just election this and election that. Is this some kinda festival?

Haru: The candidates are working extra hard. After all, voting does take place tomorrow.

Ann: Still nothing from Shido, huh…?

Ryuji: Did that bastard just blow the whole thing off?

Loona: Should we hijack another broadcast or something?

Ren: Let's wait for now.

Makoto: Yes. We need to refrain from making ourselves stand out.

Octavia: He'll probably give a speech after the election.

Ryuji: And when's that gonna be?

Makoto: Assuming it's after the results come in, tomorrow night. I can only hope he actually confesses his crimes…

[***]

December 18

Futaba: It's election day! The day is upon us!

Makoto: Unfortunately, public opinion hasn't changed at all. Shido will most likely win in a landslide victory.

Yusuke: It seems his change of heart will be coming too late.

Collin: We'll just have to see what happens. We've done all we can.

Yusuke: That reminds me, the video of us declaring war against him never showed up on TV.

Loona Seriously!? After all the cool shit we did to make our appearance known!?

Haru: I was wondering about that.

Futaba: The TV stations were probably pressured not to show it.

Makoto: Most likely. I don't think that's something Shido's influence alone could have accomplished. The true cause of this might exist elsewhere…

Octavia: The entity that's caused this ordeal… and whatever's at the bottom of Mementos…

Ryuji: I dunno that I really get it, but all we can do now is wait for the change of heart, yeah?

Loona: Yep.

Haru: Let's wait for tonight and see the results…

"My election is the result of every citizen's aid. Your support warms my heart!" Shido said on the news that night. "That is why… That is exactly why… I cannot forgive myself! The reason President Okumura passed away is… I am the one who killed him. I also manipulated the information that the Phantom Thieves were behind the series of incidents. The one who controlled the others and gave rise to the countless victims… is myself. It was all for my own promotion… for my own selfish gain. I've even used people's lives as stepping stones in order to claim this country as my own ship. I am a true criminal that can be tried for any crime, and it still wouldn't be enough!"

He gripped his microphone tighter. "I will confess everything! Please, I beg everyone to pass judgement on me… If I could atone for all I've done with my life, I request that I be judged at once…" The broadcast cut off after that.

"Hell yeah!" Ryuji and Loona cheered together, clinking their glasses of soda with each other's.

"Everyone, raise your glass," Sojiro declared. "Allow me to say a few words… Now then…"

"He's started taking charge," Futaba noted.

"Come now, don't be that way," Makoto chided.

"If you're gonna complain, say it to Shido. A legislator's pin's worth almost nothing," Sojiro said. "Well then, so since the source of evil, Masayoshi Shido, has been-"

"I got to avenge… my mom," Futaba said, tears coming to her eyes. "It's all… thanks… to everyone. Thank-" She started crying.

"I was able to settle a debt in regard to my father as well," Haru said.

"We all worked so hard for this…" Collin smiled.

"And we did right by Akechi in the end too," Ren said. "He died so we could take down Shido, despite everything he'd done in the past."

"Dad has some of his connections searching for Akechi across the Pride Ring, just in case he ended up in Hell after his death," Octavia said. "Sinners can't leave Hell like demons can, but we'll make sure he's taken care of."

"Thank you, Via," Ren said softly.

Makoto turned to her sister. "Shido's guilty, right, Sis?"

"…It'll be difficult to prosecute him immediately," Sae admitted. "But I'll do this thoroughly until the causality between his other crimes can be proven. I believe Wakaba-san's research results will save Japan."

"We could testify too, you know," Ryuji pointed out.

"Thank you, but I'll be fine. I don't want to add any more unwanted suspicions on any of you," Sae said. "It's about time you let us adults prove that we can get our act together."

"Hey, so what about this guy's education?" Sojiro said, pointing at Ren.

"I believe it'll be fine for him to return to school," Sae said. "It's true that your face will be recognized among those involved… But I doubt they'll take a firm action like suddenly coming to arrest him. At least, they won't do it until the uproar with your "suicide" and Shido's confession have died down. Eventually though, the situation where you and I will be used as scapegoats can't be avoided…"

"…You mean, in regards to faking his death," Sojiro clarified. "That wouldn't have happened to begin with if the police had done their job properly."

"Of course, I plan on doing everything I can. I will protect you all this time. Prosecuting Shido is that first step," Sae promised.

"Hey… When are we going to make the toast?" Yusuke asked.

"Right. Let's get to it!" Sojiro said. "Uh, today is truly-"

"Cheers!" Octavia declared, raising her glass as the other Phantom Thieves did the same, much to Sojiro's chagrin.

It was then that Sae's phone went off. "I need to go. It seems Shido's been transferred to a hospital. Oh, one more thing. It's fine to celebrate, but keep it in moderation, okay? Considering that Ren's finally back, all of you need to take your educations seriously again."

[***]

December 19

Ryuji: Shido spilled the beans at that conference, right? Why isn't it making any news?

Ann: Is it because he's a politician?

Makoto: I have no doubt that political connections are involved. But that theoretically shouldn't have an impact on the news…

Loona: What about all the people who him on TV? They HAD to see that! Everyone should've heard him say all that heavy stuff, right?

Octavia: Right. What happened can't be kept secret. It'll be apparent soon.

Collin: Makoto's sister is working on the case too! I'm sure we'll see the results of that if we just wait patiently.

Makoto: Let's assume so. More importantly, we have exams coming up…

Haru: I think they may have come at a good time. We've really gone through a lot lately. Everyone must be tired.

Octavia: It certainly was a good deal of trouble…

Ryuji: Uh, exams are more tiring than any shit we've been doing…

Futaba: Good luck, you guys!

After school, the gang gathered a Leblanc for a study group for the exams. Even Yusuke was there, though he had already taken his exams. "I'm just going to focus on sections that may likely be on the test. You're way too short on time," Makoto said to Ren.

"Making a gamble, huh?" Futaba said.

"If she's wrong, we die…" Ryuji sweated.

"I don't wanna die…." Ann said worriedly.

"Um, is it really that bad?" Haru questioned.

"This is every day for them," Loona rolled her eyes, Yusuke nodding in agreement.

"This affects you too, Ren-kun," Makoto said. "Well, with your grades I'm not too worried. But you've missed a lot of classes, so it couldn't hurt to study."

"Loona is lucky to have you helping out as well," Octavia said, getting a playful punch form the hellhound.

"Screw you, princess," Loona laughed. "Besides, Ren's like a god at studying. Maybe that's what his royal duty could be."

"Oh yeah, Ren's good at studying. I feel kind of betrayed…" Ann said.

""Betrayed" might be a bit much…" Haru said.

"Don't worry, Lady Ann! Even if you're not great at studying, I'll…" Morgana said, but Makoto cut him off.

"Now then, let's get to it. What do you want me to teach you?" Makoto asked.

"Social Studies," Ren said.

"I don't remember much about social studies," Ann admitted.

"Me neither… I do remember one thing though. Something about a sunrise and Mt. Fuji…" Ryuji said.

"Sunrise and Mt. Fuji… The peak of Mt. Fuji is where you can watch the sunrise earliest in Japan," Octavia answered.

Makoto nodded. "The teacher said that although latitude and longitude are important, the critical factor is altitude."

"You remember all that from what Ryuji said!? That's unreal!" Futaba exclaimed.

"How about taking a break?" Sojiro suggested.

"Sounds good to me! I can't do any more," Ryuji groaned. "So like, we've been doing phantom thief work all this time, right? We learned a bunch doing that. Even if we study and learn what we can in school, doesn't it feel kinda pointless?"

"Studying is important," Ren insisted.

"At the very least, it's necessary for Ryuji," Yusuke stated.

"You wanna say that again!?" Ryuji growled.

"Those sorts of experiences are important too, but common sense is just as important," Sojiro said. "You should know better than anyone how nasty adults without common sense can be."

"That's a great point," Collin nodded.

"Someday, you'll graduate high school and become adults. Then when you get married, you'll need common sense more than ever," Sojiro said.

"Marriage, huh…" Octavia muttered. "To be honest, I've never really thought of it before, since "marriage" means something different in the Goetia family. Do you want to get married, Ren?"

Ren held up a finger to his mouth and winked. "That's a secret."

"Well, that won't be for a while," Yusuke said. "In the meantime, I'm more concerned with what I'm going to be eating tomorrow."

"Cut it out, man. You're making me hungry," Loona groaned. "Well, I guess we just gotta get back to studying."

"…That concludes the last subject," Yusuke said hours later.

"That took so long!" Ann exclaimed.

"We covered all the difficult parts, so you should probably be just fine," Makoto assured them.

"Good work, everyone," Haru cheered.

"See? You can do it if you try," Futaba said.

"We're finally done… Only God, uh… only knows… How's that saying go again?" Ryuji said.

"Ryuji's hopeless," Morgana shook his head.

"What'd you say!?" Ryuji growled.

"Well, whatever happens, happens," Sojiro shrugged. "Isn't it about time you wrapped it up? Be careful on your way home."

"Sucks that you have to do exams even after changing Shido's heart and saving the country," Morgana said. "It's rough being a human."

"Then maybe you should stay as you are," Octavia said.

"But looking at you… I feel kind of jealous of humans," Morgana continued.

Yusuke: How goes the case preparations against Shido?
Makoto: I don't know… I haven't been able to see my sister.

Ryuji: Is she OK?

Haru: I'm sure she is, and I'm sure she'll do a fine job.

Collin: That's right. I mean, she's a pretty talented prosecutor.

Octavia: All we can do now is keep an eye on what happens next. The ordeal isn't over yet…

[***]

December 22

Makoto: Congratulations on getting through exams, everyone.

Futaba: Congrats.

Ann: It's finally over. I'm worried about the end result though…

Haru: You all did your best. I'm sure you'll be fine.

Collin: I even prayed for all of you to do well this entire week!

Octavia: You should've studied all your subjects though, instead of trying to guess what's on the exam.

Ryuji: There's no way I can do that!

Yusuke: Ah, the cry of desperation…

Loona: I can taste the tears from here lol.

Makoto: Exams aside, I heard back from my sister. There's been some progress. She'll be interrogating Shido soon. She also apologizes for the wait, and promises she will manage to build the case against him.

Ann: Yes!

Ryuji: I can't wait to see what kind of news it makes!

Haru: Why don't we take the opportunity and go out on the town tomorrow?

Ann: Let's meet in Shibuya at noon and forget about our exams!

Loona: Yeah, screw exams!

Ren: Got it.

Futaba: Welp, I'm gonna make like a tree and get outta here for now! Seeya!

Author's Note

Off the top, let's talk about Haru's confidant. As many people know she joins the team very late into the game, meaning that she doesn't have as much screen time as the rest of the Phantom Thieves. That's part of the reason I wanted to make sure she had a few appearances before the Okumura arc and give her a connection to Collin so Haru could be involved a bit more than usual in the Persona 5 story. As for her confidant, I like how we get to see Haru dealing with the fallout of her father's death and how much pressure the company and her fiancé are putting on her. She's a strong girl who feels like she isn't in control of her life, and Ren and Collin help Haru display her inner strength through her plants. It's also nice that Takahara is actually a descent guy since it would have be so predictable for him to just be another shitty adult.

And Shido confesses his crimes on live television, though Octavia thinks things might not be over just since the Entity hasn't revealed themselves yet. I added in Ren mentioning Akechi during this scene because it felt right that Crow got a small send-off here after Joker fulfilled his promise to him, and Octavia assures the team that Stolas is looking to find Akechi in Hell if he ended up there. I know some readers were wondering if Akechi ended up in Heaven or Hell based on his actions, and for now I'm leaving that ambiguous.

Next time will be the true start of the "endgame" content, so get ready for it!