Although they had managed to open up the way to Sae's palace, there was still no time to rest.
"Alright, then is everyone ready?" Makoto asked. "We still have a Mementos target to deal with."
Everyone agreed to the change of heart almost immediately upon hearing what Kana's parents had put her through.
"Interesting… So how do these targets differ from Sae-san, or your other major targets?" Akechi inquired.
"Well, to put it simply, their desires aren't distorted to the point of forming an entire palace." Morgana explained.
"I see… so in that case, Sae-san must have some truly distorted desires in comparison." Akechi noted.
She didn't reply, not wanting to give him the satisfaction.
"Alright everyone, you heard her, so let's get moving." Ren ordered.
Their next objective in mind, they all headed to Mementos.
It was a long and mostly silent trip as they delved into the lower floors. No one was exactly sure what awaited them at the bottom, but Morgana seemed convinced that the lowest floors they could currently access were closer to the bottom than the top.
Eventually, they reached their destination.
"This strange portal… are they through there?" Akechi asked.
"That's right." Makoto nodded.
All of them stepped through the portal, seeing two figures inside.
"There they are!" Futaba realized. "Those two are definitely Kana-chan's parents!"
"... Let's stop them, then." Makoto ordered.
They were just another group that were desperate for control, and full of corruption.
Like so many other terrible family members of their targets.
She would crush them like the rest.
"Losses, losses, losses…" Mr. Magario muttered. "Debt, debt, debt…!"
"Next time we'll win, I'm sure of it!" Mrs. Magario insisted. "If we just have Kana make a little more money for us… there are a lot of people out there that'll pay a lot of money to see the innocence and sex appeal of someone as young as Kana…"
*BOOOOOOOM*
Makoto fired off a blast of nuclear energy as a warning shot, frightening the two shadows.
"H-Hey, L-Leader?" Futaba stammered.
"That's your warning." Makoto stated. "Surrender, admit to your crimes, and stop abusing your daughter, or we'll be forced to take action."
"You… we need Kana to make us money!" Mrs. Magario snapped.
"If she doesn't make us money, then our family could be broken apart!" Mr. Magario added.
"The only thing tearing you all apart is your stupid gambling addiction!" Futaba cried.
"Why you…" Mrs. Magario snarled.
"Little brat!" Mr. Magario finished.
Both of them transformed at once, both of them becoming wicked, scantily clad demons.
"So, this is the form that their shadow selves end up taking." Akechi noted. "I suppose negotiation is off the table, then?"
"It's usually never on the table to begin with." Makoto frowned.
"This isn't our fault!" Mr. Magario insisted. "We just had some bad luck!"
"Kana should just suck it up! Sooner or later we'll hit the jackpot, and then we'll all be happy!" Mrs. Magario insisted. "We'll turn our luck around… starting by beating you!"
Suddenly, countless long, thin tendrils shot out of both of them, attaching themselves to the Thieves.
"Ew, what is this?!" Ann exclaimed.
"It's… draining our health and magic!" Morgana cried. "We have to do something!"
"Guess we'll be racing against time, then." Makoto frowned. "Alright, everyone, hit them with everything you've got."
A plethora of spells were fired at both of them, but the Magarios seemed content to just dodge, slowly draining them.
"Joker, slow them down!" Makoto ordered.
Ren nodded, immediately firing off a Masukunda to lower their speed.
As soon as he did that, however, both of the Magarios focused their attention on him.
"You little pest!" Mr. Magario shouted.
The shadow shot out a needle, striking Ren in the arm and immediately causing him to fall asleep.
"I'll heal him!" Haru shouted. "Ahh!"
Before she could move to heal him, Mrs. Magario ambushed her, sending Haru to sleep with a lullaby.
"Damn it, they just keep freakin' stalling!" Ryuji snapped.
"Fox, speed us up! Skull, with me! Everyone else, keep Mrs. Magario busy!"
Everyone immediately leapt into action, Yusuke speeding everyone up while they all went on the offensive.
She rushed after Mr. Magario with Skull, not giving him a second to retaliate.
"Ultra Charge!" Futaba shouted, boosting Makoto up even further.
Skull managed to land a blow against Mr. Magario, giving her an opening.
"Seth!" Makoto called. "Agidyne!"
A black dragon appeared behind her, blasting the shadow with intense flames, causing it to come crashing to the ground.
Sneaking a glance at the others, she saw that they were faring just as well.
Morgana and Ann shot out magic and bullets at the shadow, while Akechi deftly dodged the shadows attacks, mercilessly slashing it again and again.
After toying with the shadow for a while, Akechi struck a critical blow to Mrs. Magario, knocking her to the ground.
"Finish them off!" Makoto shouted.
All at once, they struck the shadows with an All-Out Attack, finishing them off.
The two shadows reverted back to their human forms, both of them looking exhausted and ashamed.
"We had… no choice…" Mr. Magario murmured. "We were in mountains of debt."
"We're awful parents…" Mrs. Magario admitted.
"Your daughter is well within her rights to never forgive you. If you really want to make it up to her, you'll change your ways, and admit to what you've done." Makoto said.
"Of course… we'll make sure to never make Kana do anything like that again." Mr. Magario promised.
"We'll quit gambling, and start working hard to pay off that debt, little by little." Mrs. Magario added.
"You have to!" Futaba exclaimed. "Don't hurt Kana-chan ever again!"
"Yes… we'll be sure to make it up to Kana, however we can…" Mr. Magario promised.
"We will do everything you say… we promise to be better." Mrs. Magario added.
The two shadows faded away, leaving behind one of their possessions.
"Interesting… so this is their treasure?" Akechi asked.
"That's right." Morgana nodded. "We just grab that and our mission is complete."
"It's over. Kana-chan's finally going to be ok." Futaba whispered. "Thanks, everyone."
"Of course." Makoto smiled. "I'm glad that I could help."
Makoto grabbed the treasure that the two of them had left behind, storing it away.
"Alright everyone, we're done here for now." Makoto stated. "Let's head back."
Their final objective for the day complete, they all went home for the day, all of them just a little bit stronger.
11/4 Monday
Days Until Investigation: 16
She needed more information.
Time was quickly running out, but she still had no idea as to what the Conspiracy's plans could be.
She technically wasn't even sure if Akechi was a part of the Conspiracy, but she did have a good feeling that there was something suspicious about him.
So if she wanted to maximize her chances of gathering information on the Conspiracy, she would have to speak with him.
It would be a tricky gamble, attempting to glean information from him without revealing too much herself. But it was one she felt like she had to take.
And that's why she found herself texting Akechi, asking if he was free for the day.
After seeing him reply that he was, she set out for their meeting place.
"Not that I don't mind the free meal, Makoto-chan, but did it really have to be here?" Akechi asked.
"I thought that you enjoyed this place the last time we were here." Makoto frowned. "Did something happen with Honey and Pan…cakes… oh."
Was he seriously still upset about that?!
"It's fine, but in the future… please don't mention the word 'pancakes' to me ever again." Akechi groaned.
"R-Right…" Makoto stammered.
They ordered their meals, Akechi making sure to avoid… certain items on the menu.
"So, why did you decide to bring me here?" Akechi asked.
"Well, even if it's unofficial, I wanted to speak with you since you're new to the team." Makoto answered. "How have you been doing so far?"
"It was quite a lot to take in at first, but I've been adapting rather well."
"That's good to hear." Makoto replied.
"Makoto-chan?"
"Yes?"
"Do you trust me?"
She nearly choked on her food.
"W-What?" Makoto stammered.
"As you said, I'm not really an official member. The circumstances behind my joining were not exactly friendly." Akechi noted. "So I would understand if you didn't trust me."
Makoto took a moment to gather her thoughts, wondering how to tackle this conversation.
She didn't trust him at all, but she probably didn't want to say that to him.
"Well… you see… I can at least understand where you're coming from." Makoto answered. "You acknowledge that, in order to fight against the Conspiracy, you might have to bend the rules a little. But you don't want to take it too far, so that's why you want us to disband after we face them."
"Yes, that's about right." Akechi nodded.
"But… I feel as if I don't really know a lot about you." Makoto admitted. "I don't want to pressure you or anything-"
"No, it's fine. I understand where you're coming from." Akechi said. "Perhaps… I could tell you a bit more about myself, and my sense of justice."
"Oh, are you sure?" Makoto asked.
"I am, but I would prefer to do it somewhere quieter." Akechi stated. "Why not the Jazz Bar? They know me there, so I should be able to get us a room and table away from prying eyes and ears."
"That sounds good." Makoto nodded. "Let's go then."
After finishing their meal, the two of them headed to the Jazz Bar.
The moment they sat down, and after confirming no one was in earshot, Akechi began to speak.
"This place does have a soothing atmosphere… it makes me prone to thinking or reflecting on my childhood." Akechi mentioned. "Same thing for bathhouses, really. I couldn't bring you there, obviously, so I opted for here instead.
"O-Oh. Right." Makoto nodded.
"I'm the Detective Prince now, but back then, my situation was complicated." Akechi began. "By the time I was old enough to notice, my father was already gone. All I had was my mother."
"I see…" Makoto muttered.
"My mother worked at a nightclub. Whenever she would bring a man home, she would send me off to the bathhouse." Akechi continued. "I suspect that one of those men she brought home was my father…
Makoto's eyes widened. "Then…!"
"Yes… I'm an illegitimate child." Akechi confided. "If the public were to ever find out, my career and my life would be destroyed overnight. Especially if they found out that my father abandoned my mother, and that my mother was a sex worker."
"But… none of that is your fault!" Makoto cried.
"I suppose not… now if only the rest of society felt that way." Akechi sighed.
"Wait… what about your mother?" Makoto asked. "Is she…?"
"She took her own life some time ago." Akechi stated. "She couldn't handle the shame that society placed on her."
"I-I'm so sorry…" Makoto whispered.
"It's fine. It was some time ago, as I said." Akechi replied. "But at the time, I couldn't help but wonder if society would be happy if people like me and my mother all… went out like that."
"A-Akechi-kun, that's not-"
"Oh, you don't need to worry. I don't think that anymore. Still, to most of society, outcasts are nothing but burdens. If they were to all disappear, then people could just go on ignoring all the problems of society… until it came back to bite them, of course." Akechi continued.
There was a barely contained bitterness to his words.
"Ironic isn't it… that I would work for the law enforcement of a country that has no problem with discriminating against someone like me?" Akechi said, giving a bitter chuckle.
"Perhaps… you could change it from the inside." she suggested. "Yes, you could reform it from the inside… at least a little bit."
Akechi gave another chuckle. "I guess my plan… is something like that. Although I feel that Sae-san once had the same goal. And yet…"
"Right… She did want to change things back then." Makoto frowned.
"You know, I've never really told anyone about my past before." Akechi brought up. "I wonder why I decided to bring it up to you."
"I… I promise that I won't tell anyone!" she insisted.
"Of course. I trust you." Akechi nodded. "Perhaps that's why… and perhaps because I feel similar to a lot of you."
"Similar?" Makoto repeated. "Well… I suppose that a lot of us have been through a lot due to corrupt authority figures or missing parents."
"Yes, exactly." Akechi agreed.
"… Come to think of it… have you heard about what happened to Futaba's mother?" Makoto asked.
"Wakaba? Yes, I'm familiar. Sae-san took an interest in that case." Akechi mentioned. "Her mother took her own life as well, correct? I suppose we're similar in that regard."
"We suspect that her death might have been the result of a mental shutdown or psychotic breakdown." Makoto said. "Which means that the masked man is responsible for putting her through so much pain. And it's the same thing for my father as well. Because of the masked man, Sis and I had to fend for ourselves."
For just a moment, she thought she saw a flash of emotion in Akechi's eyes, but she wasn't sure what emotion it was.
"I see. So it's personal for you as well. Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have my own personal reasons." Akechi stated. "I think we've learned a bit more about each other."
"Yes, I suppose so." she nodded.
Hearing him tell her past had given her pause. Did he truly trust her that much? Was it a ploy to gain her trust? Perhaps it was a little rude to have that be among her first thoughts after he had confided those secrets to her, but she couldn't help but wonder…
Still, she felt like she understood Akechi a little bit better.
JUDGMENT CONFIDANT: RANK 6
She spoke to Akechi for a little longer before heading home for the day.
11/5 Tuesday
Days Until Investigation: 15
After school ended for the day, she immediately ran into Ryuji outside.
"Yo, Makoto!" Ryuji grinned. "Wanna get some monjayaki? My treat!"
"Oh, sure, I'd love to." Makoto accepted. "You seem like you're in a pretty good mood. Did something happen?"
"Yeah it did! That bastard Yamauchi is finally gonna get what's comin' to him." Ryuji grinned.
"Really?" Makoto asked.
"Yeah! Come on, I'll tell you all about it." Ryuji offered.
She went with Ryuji over to, happy to hear that something had at least gone right recently…
"So, I got this text from Takeishi… he said that the track team's gonna try n' ditch Yamauchi." Ryuji began. "They wanna start practicing without him. They're even trying to get the old coach that they had before Kamoshida back."
"It sounds like they're starting to stand up for themselves." Makoto noted. "That's good."
"Yeah, better late then never, I guess..." Ryuji trailed off.
"Is something wrong?" Makoto asked.
"Well, the thing is… they actually asked me to rejoin the team." Ryuji muttered.
"Did you accept?" Makoto asked.
"Nah, I didn't." Ryuji said. "There's a part of me that wants to go back, but… I don't think I can ever really go back after everything that happened. I just gotta… let the past behind, you know? I feel like that's not where I belong anymore."
Did all of them unfairly blaming him and taking their anger out on him contribute to that? She could certainly understand if that was the case...
"I understand. You have to do what's right for you." Makoto stated.
"Yeah…" Ryuji nodded. "You know, at first, I didn't really trust you. It was the same for a lot of students, really. But despite that, you still went out of your way to help all of us. Maybe that's why people get pulled towards you!"
"You think so?" Makoto asked. "I just… did what anyone would have done, really."
"Heh, I can't think of many people that would risk their life in another world to help people." Ryuji grinned.
"Well…"
"You know, for the longest time, I kept makin' excuses for why I didn't fit in." Ryuji sighed. "Now though, I realized that as long as I'm bein' myself, I'll have somewhere I can fit in."
"You'll always have a place with us, Ryuji." Makoto promised.
"Yeah, I know that now." Ryuji nodded. "And the same goes for you too, ya know? We wouldn't leave you if you tried to get rid of us!
She could feel her bond with Ryuji growing stronger…
CHARIOT CONFIDANT: RANK 9
After speaking to Ryuji for a little longer, she decided to head home for the day.
11/6 Wednesday
Days Until Investigation: 14
Even if she were to make herself stronger, it was important to ensure her equipment didn't fall behind.
She needed to take every single precaution that she could for what was coming…
The moment she stepped into Untouchable, however, Iwai immediately called her to the back.
"Did something happen?" Makoto asked.
"Yeah. I managed to find out Tsuda's weakness." Iwai answered. "When you and Karou were at that diner, I was gettin' some info out of a reliable source of mine."
"And what did they say?" Makoto asked.
"He's on the other end of this Hong Kong mafia deal." Iwai told her. "He paid them off for a huge amount of guns."
"Hmm… why is he asking you for model guns if he was just planning to smuggle some real ones in, though? Makoto asked.
"That's what I was thinking." Iwai smirked. "He's trying to lord his position over me, but he doesn't have shit now!"
"Then… you think that mafia ripped him off?" Makoto wondered.
"That's what I was thinking." Iwai nodded. "Masa told me something strange back when you and Karou were at the diner though. The clan's been treating that Hong Kong deal like some massive success."
"So if they didn't give Tsuda the guns, then he lied to them about succeeding in that deal." Makoto realized. "And now he's trying to use you to cover for his blunder…
"Yeah, we all knew he was a crafty son of a bitch." Iwai scoffed. "But I'll just clear things up once I tell the clan what's happening. Make sure that he doesn't go targeting Karou again."
"Right… you should do that immediately then." Makoto suggested.
"I will… just as soon as I talk to Tsuda about it." Iwai nodded.
"Yes, that's a good… wait, WHAT?!" Makoto exclaimed. "Why would you do that?!"
"I gotta follow the Yakuza code." Iwai noted.
"No, you don't!" Makoto argued. "You're not a part of them anymore."
"… My time with them will stick with me my whole life." Iwai countered. "Listen… if anything happens to me, promise that you'll help out Kaoru."
"… If you suspect something is going to happen, isn't that all the more reason not to go?" Makoto reasoned.
"I know that he could take me out without any witness, and there's no one that…" Iwai trailed off. "Wait… I could bring you with me." Iwai realized.
"… Excuse me?" Makoto muttered.
"I want you to come with me when I talk to Tsuda." Iwai told her. "He wouldn't dare lay his hands on civilian kids."
"Oh, good. Yakuza have never targeted civilians before." Makoto deadpanned. Seriously? That's where he draws the line? Not blackmail or lying to his clan?"
"I'd cause too many complications for him." Iwai grunted. "Listen, if you be my witness, I'll work even harder on that special menu."
"… Alright then. I'll go with you. I wouldn't want to explain to Kaoru-kun how you went and got yourself killed." Makoto sighed.
"Heh… harsh as ever, eh?" Iwai grinned. "Then I'll see you tonight."
She felt her bond with Iwai growing stronger.
HANGED MAN CONFIDANT: RANK 7
After he told her the details, she left the store, promising to meet him tonight.
They met in a very isolated area, something she wasn't really fond of.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Makoto frowned. "Meeting him alone in a place like this seems like an awful idea."
"Don't worry, Tsuda won't try to pull anything." Iwai promised. "He just doesn't want others to see."
Code of honor… right." Makoto muttered, clearly skeptical.
A few moments later, Tsuda appeared.
"So what's this about?" Tsuda asked. "You have my order ready?"
"Actually…"
Iwai explained everything that he had uncovered.
"So, you know, huh?" Tsuda frowned. "And there's that brat from the shop. Should've figured they'd be working with you."
"She's here as my witness." Iwai explained. "Listen, I'll be happy to keep my mouth shut about your failed deal, as long as you stay away from my family. That includes me, Kaoru… and this kid here."
Her eyes widened, glancing at Iwai in surprise.
"So, you're still sticking to the code, even in retirement." Tsuda noted.
"Rules ain't meant to be broken." Iwai stated.
"Clever as ever, Mune. Seems you haven't lost your touch." Tsuda replied. "I bet I wouldn't be in this mess if I had you as my right-hand man."
Tsuda turned to address her.
"Say, kid, sorry that you had to get involved with this." Tsuda apologized. "Hope dealing with all of this Yakuza business hasn't been too much trouble for you."
"I made a deal with Iwai. I wanted to help him." Makoto answered.
"Thanks, kid." Iwai grinned. "Now Tsuda, I gotta be honest. This entire situation has been a real goddamn pain in the ass. But it's over now."
"Over? No, I don't think so, Mune." Tsuda scowled.
Suddenly, Tsuda reached into his pocket…
And pulled out a gun.
"W-What?!" Iwai gasped.
"H-Hold on!" Makoto cried. "Y-You still need those guns made, right?"
"Shut up!" Tsuda snarled. "I'm the one who makes the decisions here! But yeah, I need those guns… and you're going to make them for me, Mune!
"Lower the gun, Tsuda!" Iwai said. "There's no need for that. We don't have to involve Karou and this girl either. They're just civilians.
"Shut up! You make me those guns now, or I'll sell your little 'witness' to a whorehouse!" Tsuda roared. "And your little brat'll pay too!"
"W-What?" Makoto stammered.
"Hold on! Tsuda, that-" Iwai began.
"Come on, Iwai!" Tsuda snapped. "You know how many women do you think we sold off when you were a part of the Yakuza. It's standard business. Don't tell me you've gone soft on me!"
"Christ, Tsuda, you're not just some street thug!" Iwai reasoned. "You're better than that!"
"Still hung up on all that Yakuza pride and duty bullshit, huh?" Tsuda scoffed. "The only thing that crap is good for is keeping dumbasses like you in line."
"Bastard…!" Iwai said, glaring.
"Now you listen here!" Tsuda exclaimed. "You're going to make me those guns, and you'll do it fast, understand?!"
"Alright, alright, I got it." Iwai quickly replied. "Just put the gun away."
"Glad you understand…" Tsuda muttered.
Tsuda thankfully went away after that, leaving the two of them alone for now…
"I didn't realize that he had become such a heartless bastard." Iwai frowned.
"Yes, it's hard to imagine that someone involved with a criminal gang known for the handling of illegal weapons, murder, as well as drug and sex trafficking would be an awful person." Makoto deadpanned. "What a shocking turn of events. Really."
She would rather not believe that people like that couldn't be rehabilitated, but she doubted that Tsuda would want any part of that…
Iwai scowled. "The Yakuza are supposed to follow a code of honor!"
"Yes, I'm sure that they love to tell people that. I'm sure it makes for great PR." Makoto scoffed. "I think that you need to realize that we're dealing with a criminal gang here. They've already threatened your son. If Karou was a girl like me, they'd probably be threatening to force them into prostitution. Intimidation and blackmail are the Yakuza's bread and butter, after all."
Iwai said nothing, his scowl only growing deeper.
"So would you really be ok with that, as long as they did everything 'by the book?'" Makoto asked.
"Listen, you little punk!" Iwai snapped. "Do you really think that I'd be ok with them threatening my own family?!"
"No, I don't. I know that you're not like them. At least, not anymore." Makoto said, her voice taking a softer tone. "But I don't think we should give him those guns if we can help it, considering his motives for getting them."
"So what about you then?" Iwai asked. "What are you using my model guns for?"
"I prefer to help people with my actions, not hurt them." Makoto vaguely answered. "And I could help you too."
"How would you be able to help?" Iwai asked. "Tsuda's dangerous. The moment I give him those guns, I'm done for…"
"Can you tell me his full name?" Makoto asked. "You know it, don't you?"
"Why do you ask?" Iwai wondered, thinking for a moment. "Although maybe it would be best if you did know. It's Akimitsu Tsuda."
"Alright, thank you." Makoto nodded.
"Yeah, sure. If you ever see him, just run." Iwai warned. "And… take care of yourself, kid."
Iwai walked off, leaving her to her thoughts.
Once again, she was faced with another target to face in Mementos.
At the very least, it would serve as good training for when they returned to her sister's palace.
And when they returned, she wouldn't let anything stand in her way.
Makoto's Confidant Progress:
THE FOOL - Ren Amamiya: Rank 9
THE HUNGER - Igor: Rank 9
THE CHARIOT - Ryuji Sakamoto: Rank 9
THE MAGICIAN - Morgana: Rank 8
THE FAITH - Eiko Takao: Rank 7
THE TOWER - Chiaki Yasui: Rank 9
THE SUN - Shiho Suzui: Rank 9
THE MOON - Takayo Tachibana: Rank 9
THE HIEROPHANT - Sojiro Sakura: Rank 8
THE TEMPERANCE - Naoya Makigami: Rank 8
THE STAR - Hifumi Togo: Rank 7
THE DEVIL - Mitsuhide Matsuoka: Rank 6
THE HANGED MAN - Munehisa Iwai: Rank 7
THE DEATH - Yohei Kiritani: Rank 6
THE EMPEROR - Yusuke Kitagawa: Rank 8
THE EMPRESS - Haru Okumura: Rank 5
THE LOVERS - Ann Takamaki: Rank 8
THE HERMIT - Futaba Sakura: Rank 7
THE STRENGTH - Caroline and Justine: Rank 8
THE JUSTICE - Goro Akechi: Rank 6
THE PRIESTESS - Kasumi Yoshizawa?: Rank 6
THE FORTUNE - Phantom Thieves of Heart: Rank 7
THE JUDGMENT - Sae Niijima: Rank 6
THE COUNCILOR - Takuto Maruki: Rank 9