Chapter 26: Sunset Bridge
July 3rd, afternoon…
In Tokyo's Police Station, the old SUI director was having a distressing conversation over the phone:
-"How long are you going to take with my request?"- he said over the line and shook his head in disappointment when he heard the person on the other line.-"This incident happened at the school you're supposed to be presiding over."
-"Yeah…! Of course, I promise to have it soon."- the person at the other line responded terrified, which made the director sigh as he tried to keep his cool.
A public prosecutor proceeded to knock on his door:
-"Excuse me sir."- the nervous man said after a pause.-"We need to speak with you at once regarding the incident today at the closing conference of St. Luke's hospital."
-"...Fine."- the man receded from keeping conversation with the man on the phone.-"I hope you remember who gave you that position to begin with."
-"Our other operative gave us a list of candidates without delay. How different from a certain someone."- but he wanted to push more pressure onto him.
-"Oh, but sir. Does that mean I shall continue on my end?"-the man at the other line asked.
-"Of course, please continue with your investigation."- the SUI director mentioned before hanging up the conversation.
At night, back in LeBlanc, Kazumi was preparing herself to go to sleep. Everyone left an hour before, and her room was left feeling empty:
-"Everyone is excited for the change of heart."- Kazumi said to Morgana as she checked the group chat.-"Even Ryuji-kun brought up Akechi-kun…Hehe, now I am thinking about the face he's going to make when he sees Furukawa's confession and realize we are real and we can do anything."
-"Yeah, you can take it easy for now."- Morgana said while wagging his tail slowly.-"The deadline is in five days, I hope you have planned how to spend them wisely."
-"Well, I better start to think about how to break the news to the other people I have bonded with."- Kazumi replied deep in thought.
-"Bonds…"- Morgana recalled something.-"Before we went to sleep, I was thinking."
-"About what?"- Kazumi removed her glasses to put them aside.
-"Furukawa was truly an evil stain to society like Kamoshida and Madarame."- Morgana said with a grunt.-"But there were a lot of people around them knowing what they were doing and turned a blind eye to them. Why doesn't anybody else help?"
-"There might be a lot of reasons…"- Kazumi said to him.-"Some were benefited by them, some others idolized their ways, some feared them and were forced to stay quiet, and the list goes on."
-"So they act for what they can get out of it."- Morgana understood.-"Humans are so weak…so easily influenced by their desires…"
-"Desires are what makes us push forward, you know?"- Kazumi explained to him.-"If I didn't desire to stop the suffering of others, I wouldn't be where I am. Of course, it all depends on control."
-"Control? Do you think if I could ever become a human?"- Morgana asked her.-"I didn't want to admit it before but…some memories came back that I tried to force myself to pull away."
-"Are those memories related to your desires?"- Kazumi asked him.-"Don't worry. If you can control yourself, then you are no different than a good human."
-"You really think so?"- the cat stood up excitedly.-"No, of course you do."-and then he went back to his proud demeanor.-"I am the core of the Phantom Thieves! Of course I have to be human."
-"I will say you're more mascot-like…"- Kazumi thought to herself. She didn't want to say it out loud to ruin the cat's self esteem.
-"Don't forget to come visit me if you become a human, alright?"- Kazumi said as she smiled at him and he nodded in affirmation. To their growing bond, the Magician arcana got a fifth star.
*Pickpocket ability unlocked*
The two of them went to sleep afterwards. In her deep sleep, Kazumi was called to the usual Velvet Room:
-"The judge requests your attention. Heed his words."- Will said to her and Kazumi looked at Igor.
-"You defeated the witch of gluttony this time. Well done."- Igor said with a chuckle as if he was satisfied with the work.-"I am glad to see you have devoted yourself to your rehabilitation."
-"Is this really going to continue?"- Kazumi asked straight up.-"The city and my acquaintances…I will be leaving them behind in a few days. What would happen to this rehabilitation of mine then?"
-"If you cannot continue to rehabilitate, the next step is the world falling into ruins."- Igor replied to her.-"That much was clear the first time you stepped into this room."
-"..."- Kazumi looked down, not knowing what to say.-"Will the world fall in ruins even if the Phantom Thieves keep stealing treasures in my absence?"
-"The rehabilitation is yours alone. They are there to aid you, not do the job for you."- Victor explained to her.-"Huh? Client, that vest…"
-"What vest…?"- Kazumi asked when she saw the same small vest that represented Kazuya's doll just floating out of her pocket.-"This…?"
-"Pardon the interruption, judge."- Will said as he took the vest.-"It's an item of good quality. I would create a strong persona."
-"A strong persona…? What persona…?"- Kazumi asked, confused as to why Kazuya's gift had such power.
-"You may proceed with this topic before the court continues."- Igor said, interested in Kazumi finding out that power.
The boys then brought the guillotine forward:
-"You have been given a new Persona fusion."- Victor said.-"Obtain a Jack Frost and fuse it with your Setanta."
-"Yes…"- Kazumi did as told and used the Persona Compendium.-"I call Jack Frost to the stand."
Suddenly, the mask of the rebel appeared in front of her and reached chains into her heart to tie Jack Frost in:
-" Heeho! It's good to be back!"- the icy elf Persona said in her mind.
-"Aha…ha…"- Kazumi couldn't help but laugh nervously as she just summoned it to fuse it again.
-" NOT AGAIN-HOOOO!"- and just a few seconds later, he was already with his head on the guillotine along with the very calm knight Setanta. Will pulled the strings to chop their heads and their bodies fused into the vest. From the sprouting blue and black blood, a Persona in a superhero pose appeared: Black suit with white gloves and boots that fused into the suit with an "A" symbol, metallic helmet and a chest plate, and its overall form was of a familiar white snow fairy but with yellow dot eyes.
-" I'm Frost Ace! I'll be your hee-ro!"- the Persona announced before becoming a mask and returning to Kazumi.
-"Awwn, it's another Jack Frost."- she said with a smile. At this point, she felt like she could go broke on the Velvet Room getting the other two she had known so far…and who knows? Maybe there were more variations to collect… Was she becoming obsessed with a cute character? Would she need an intervention? Who knows?
-"Wait…What is this!?"- and then was visibly surprised checking his level that was beyond hers and had unique attacks that seemed to deal 'severe' damage.-"This one is super strong…!"
-"Do you understand it, client?"- Will said to her.-"This persona would be left useless if you let others decide to take you out of your rehabilitation."
-"..."- Kazumi nodded. She understood that those in the Velvet Room were just there to aid, not give her the solution to everything. The fate of the 'trickster' was still hers alone.
-"Do you recall the whispers about what she has called the 'hitman'?"- Igor asked her to stay back on topic.
-"The person with the black mask…"- Kazumi recalled.
-"Heh. At least you don't have the memory of a chicken."- Will made fun of her.
-"...This information is regarding the cases of those people who shut down, is it not?"- Victor mentioned to his master.
-"Indeed. I speak of another one with powers similar to yours."- Igor replied.-"If you are to complete your rehabilitation, you may encounter him eventually…"
-"So, that person is also a Persona user."- Kazumi concluded from his words.-"Thank you. It seems this whole issue does not end with my brother's death for me."
-"I'll do what it takes to teach that person a lesson."- Kazumi admitted with determination. The master of the Velvet Room has once again entrusted her with a goal that she felt she could accomplish. To this interaction, the Fool arcana received a sixth star.
-"Hahaha…Yet another thing for me to look forward to."- Igor said amused.-"Allow me to grant you an ability befitting of your newfound growth. Consider it a gift."
*Arcana experience for fusion increases*
After bestowing his gift, Igor hit the mace on his judge table and announced:
-"The court enters recess, until next time".
July 4th
In the morning, Makoto called Kazumi to let her know that Haruka Furukawa and all the other members of the Bureau of Health and Wellness were being searched by under his sister's, Sae's, jurisdiction about the calling card and to look for clues about the Phantom Thieves. It seemed like the investigation will take a few days before they could be released:
-"Besides, do you think I can borrow some time from you today?"- Makoto asked her through the call.
-"Really? What for?"- Kazumi asked surprised.
-"Well, you already acknowledged me as the new leader, but I feel like I should learn more about you… to understand how to gain the confidence of our other team members…"- Makoto said, somehow nervous.
-"Sure. I don't really have much to do these days."- Kazumi agreed to meet up with him.
-"Was it me or he sounded like his legs were shaking?"- Morgana said with a mocking tone.-"Haha. It's like he was asking you on a date."
-"It is a bit strange, yes. Makoto-senpai is usually tough and forward with what he wants to say."- Kazumi agreed with what the cat said, outside of the possibility of dating.
She parted that morning to the Shibuya underground mall to see the jewelry store "Tsurakame Diamond" and ask for the starting price of Furukawa's engagement ring with the excuse of it being her deceased grandmother engagement ring. The store owner told her if she bought that from her, she would go bankrupt and to ask about to a more luxurious jewelry. Without much of a choice, Kazumi simply decided to pick a shift at the Flower Shop for the time being, with a bonus thanks to her skill to arrange some of the requested bouquets for the day.
*Kazumi's kindness increases by 2 2*
Hours later, Kazumi arrived at Shujin Academy after most of the students left for the day, which means only those in club activities were still hanging around:
-"I feel like I am stepping into this place like if it was the first day."- Kazumi said with a deep sigh.
-"Asaka, you came."- Makoto noticed from the entrance door and went outside to receive her.
-"Yes. Say, is it ok for me to come despite still being suspended…?"- Kazumi said, nervous of being found out by another student/teacher outside of Kawakami and getting into more trouble than it was worth.-"Wait, what am I saying? Of course it's wrong!"
-"Ahahaha. I wasn't gonna invite you in."- Makoto found her reaction funny.-"Let's go to the café at Shibuya, I'll explain everything there."
-"Come on! You should've told me that by phone!"- Kazumi replied a bit annoyed at the inconvenience.
-"I mean…I didn't exactly want it to…you know…"- Makoto suddenly got all flustered when she asked that.
-"I know…?"- Kazumi asked him so he could keep talking.
-"Ah, so tired!"- suddenly they heard a group of girls leaving the building from their school activities.
-"Ah!! Let's just go, ok?"- Makoto said and they ran to the subway station, and moments later, they were in the café at Shibuya.
-"Good call. It would have been problematic if I got snitched on."- Kazumi started the conversation with that.-"So, what do you have in mind?"
-"Yes, this is…well…a confession…"- Makoto stuttered while scratching the back of his neck.
-"C-Co-Confession!?"- Kazumi immediately stood up with blushing cheeks and an alarmed voice. Everyone in the café nearby turned around to see what was the deal.
-"Nyahaha…"- Morgana whispered from the seat.-"You were right, Kazumi. Makoto is always straightforward with what he wants to say."
-"Wait-! No, no, that's not what I meant!"- Makoto quickly tried to amend the misunderstanding, took out an envelope from his bag and slided it across the table to her.-"Agh. I think it's better if you just read it…"
-"A letter?"- Kazumi sat down and read that the card was directed to Makoto.-"It's for you? Let's see…"
-" To Makoto Nijima-san…
I am just a nobody but I feel like I must make my feelings clear. Ever since you gave the ceremony speech in my first year, I have fallen in love with your intelligence and your good looks…"
-"Hey! Stop reading that out loud!!"- Makoto exclaimed ashamedly as he covered his eyes and dropped his head on the table.
-"Ah, sorry. I am just used to reading these out loud for my brother."- Kazumi said as she vowed in apology for the impoliteness.
-"...Your brother had those kinds of letters given to him?"- Makoto asked as he returned to his position.
-"Actually, those were directed to me…"- Kazumi said with a drop of sweat coming out of her front.-"Anyway, the letter…!"-and before it could become part of the conversation, she read the letter all the way to the name of the sender: Eiko Takao.
-"Ok, yeah, right, so back to what I was saying…"- Makoto tried to get his composure back.-"I got this letter very recently. I didn't pay much attention to it because of all the things happening with you and Furukawa…"
-"Eh? So you haven't replied to her yet?"- Kazumi mentioned, largely surprised.-"That's not cool of you!"
-"That's the problem…!"- Makoto said a bit frustrated.-"I don't know what to do."
-"What do you mean? Do you like this Eiko girl or not? That's all you have to say."- Kazumi told him straight like it is.
-"I don't even know that."- Makoto said feeling complexed.-"It's not like I have been particularly close to girls before… My mom died when I was younger, and I usually got along more with my father than my sister…"
-"Agh. Even interacting with my sister since he passed away is like walking on eggshells…"- Makoto said complexed.-"I also always focused on studying so having friends and having a romantic interest all seems out of my league…"
-"That's why I wanted to discuss this with you."- Makoto mentioned.-"You had the same problem as me but with boys, and so far you seem to be handling pretty well…"
-"Say, Asaka. Would you help me to become less socially awkward?"- Makoto mentioned with a bit of a desperate look in his eyes.
-"He really is pretty straightforward."- Morgana interrupted the conversation again.-"You will do it, right, Kazumi? After all, if Makoto can't overcome it, the Phantom Thieves might have a break up in their future."
-"Alright, alright."- Kazumi sighed, feeling the pressure given by both.-"Let's give it a try. I'm sure something can be done while I'm still here."
-"Thank you, Asaka."- Makoto smiled relieved.-"Don't worry, I'll make sure anything you teach me will be useful to improve my analysis in the Metaverse as well."
From the first day at her new school, Kazumi never really expected to have this kind of interaction with others, much less with the student council president whose upfront personality got her in panic a couple of times. Makoto had given his vow of confidence to her, regardless:
-" I am thou. Thou art I.
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Star persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
Shall lead to freedom and new power."- to their bond, a new card with the inscription of the Star* Arcana and a star appeared on the superior side.
*Shadow calculus unlocked*
-"Then, when you have time, I would like to start with some places to hang out around."- Makoto told her after she came back from her subconscious.-"Uhmm…You were very good in the Featherman Arcade Contest right? How about we go to the arcade first?"
-"Sure. We can go tomorrow if you want."- Kazumi suggested and they promised to gather the next day. Makoto bid her farewell for the time being and she went home.
After coming upstairs, the putrid odour of soil and dirt was evident. It seemed like she was gonna have to wash the Zombie mouse doll or the smell will be there forever, so she did that along with other dirty rags from the palace that could be useful as armor in the Metaverse. Kazumi decided to take a warm bath in the bath house while the clothes were washing:
-"A persona was born from the doll that Kazuya gave me…and then there's the issue of that hitman…"- Kazumi thought deeply about the recent events and the future.-"But, if there's a hitman…there must be more people that are willing to pay money to cause those horrible incidents…"
-"Perhaps the next target should be someone like that…Someone like Furukawa who seemed to have all her obstacles eliminated."- she thought.
-"Uhmmm…that is to say…"- Kazumi didn't take too long to just let her body sink into the warm water.-"This cherry blossom scent in the water is so relaxing…"-and then she stayed there for longer.
-"Ah. You finally got out."- Morgana meowed exasperated as if he waited a lot.-"You look like a peach…"-he said as he noticed that her clothes accentuated the color of her skin.
-"Do I? Well, pink is a pretty color."- Kazumi seemed to be still in trance of the calming oils.-"You miss out on some great baths for being a cat~"
-"At least you smell good…"- Morgana said, a bit weirded out by her super relaxed behavior.
*Kazumi's charm increases by 3*
*Kazumi's guts increase by 2*
She proceeded to pick up the laundry and go home to tend it.
July 5th
Kazumi went to Shinjuku in the morning to look around, finding a new bookstore with books that helped to enhance learning of certain abilities. She took the ones that will make her improve her batting, cinema watching and even an encyclopedia that had instructions about flower care. She then read a book called The Gallant Rouge, the story of Ishikawa Goemon, on the train to Aoyama-Itchome, where the school was located. The courage that Goemon had to steal from the rich despite his demise of being cooked alive with his first son touched her heart with a newfound confidence.
*Kazumi's courage increases by 3*
*Kazumi's courage is now Daring*
Arriving at the school, he met once again with Makoto who was talking to an unfamiliar student:
-"Oh, Makoto-senpai and…is that a girl…?"- Kazumi was quick to hide and spy.
-"What are you doing…?"- Morgana wondered as he put his head out.-"Wait, could this be that Eiko from the letter…?"
-"That's what I want to find out!!"- Kazumi murmured. The girl had auburn short hair and a shirtless lavender dress shirt over the skirt of the Shujin uniform, with a black belt under her boob area.-"Uhmm don't you think she's too well dressed for a 'nobody'?"
-"You're right. I will say you will play that part very well."- Morgana said.
-"Hey, I was framed as a drug addict. I was trying to not bring more attention to me."- Kazumi took offense on his way of describing her appearance. They saw the girl vow slightly to Makoto and leave. Now it was the chance for the all-out question.
-"Makoto-senpai!"- she came at the speed of light to him.
-"Ah, Asaka. Did you just arrive?"- Makoto asked her and then noticed the bright look on her eyes like if she found something interesting.-"Why are you looking at me that way…?"
-"Well? Was that Eiko Takao? Did she ask you straight up for an answer?"- Kazumi asked non-stop, making him feel like both needed to take a deep breath.
-"Calm down. That was not Takao."- Makoto said as he aparted Kazumi with his hands on her shoulders.-"That was Okumura. She's in the same class as me."
-"...Did she confess to you right now?"- Kazumi asked, just in case Makoto's love life was turning into a soap opera worth watching.
-"No."- Makoto replied with exhaustion.-"It's a bit complicated to explain, but I said to her that I would find a way to open the rooftop again to authorize her crop growing."
-"Unfortunately, the principal said it wasn't urgent but if more students were interested, arrangements could be made so it will be like a new school club."- Makoto explained.
-"Ah, I see. Is she going to be ok?"- Kazumi asked, completely putting the romantic gossip aside.
-"I just informed you that, but don't worry, I have the members needed so that Okumura can get her club going."- Makoto said with a confident smile.
-"That's great."- Kazumi smiled, completely unaware of what members Makoto was really thinking about.-"Oh right, we are going to the arcade right? Let's go!"
A train trip to Shibuya later, the both of them were in the arcades. Makoto went in looking around about how there was a lot of people:
-"So this is an arcade…There's too many lights, looks very distracting."- he said, analyzing it.-"There are a lot of girls here too…"
-"That's the point."- Kazumi told him.-"What games do you want to try?"
-"Well, Morgana mentioned that you almost beat Feather Red on a gun simulator, right? Let's try that one."-Makoto suggested.
-"Alright."- Kazumi then made him follow her to the place where a simple game of shooting was in place.
-"I did it!
Huh!?
No…!"- Makoto's various emotions while playing got him the attention of the people playing around, and he was too engrossed to even be paying attention to them. They won some tickets and Kazumi told him that he could use them to pick a prize.
-"These toys look kind of childish to carry around…"- Makoto said, embarrassed by his selection of prizes.
-"Oh! How about you get it for your sister?"- Kazumi suggested.-"Or maybe a girl you like? Come on. It's your prize."
-"My sister is an adult from head to toes. She would just reprimand me for spending time in a place like this."- Makoto said to her with a sorrowful expression.
-"Well, let's get this over with…how about this?"- Makoto picked a little phone strap accessory with the ceramic design of a Black Frost.
-"Ah…It's a Black Frost. It's so cute!"- Kazumi said happily about his selection.
-"...Don't tell me. Do you want it?"- Makoto asked out of curiosity.
-"Well, uhmm, maybe?"- Kazumi blushed, embarrassed to be caught acting like a little girl.-"It's yours! Your memento of your first arcade visit, so keep it!"
-"Alright, alright."- Makoto said complacently, putting the phone strap on his bag.-"That's to say, that game was a lot of fun. I feel like I understand how people spend their time now."
-"Yup."- Kazumi nodded.-"How about we play other games so you don't get embarrassed for being a novice with others?"
-"I am pretty good at rhythm games. Well, that was until two kids I know broke my record…"- Kazumi remembered with exhaustion how it went when she brought Will and Victor that one time.
-"Sounds fun."- Makoto said.-"Uhmm…so this arcade is where you take friends only?"
-"There's no such thing as friends only places."- Kazumi explained to him.-"Places of entertainment are there for all to enjoy. If your sister liked games, this would be a family hangout instead of a date right?"
-"I see, so the people are the ones that make the moment not the place."- Makoto said, trying to put it into other words.
-"You are a fast learner, senpai."- Kazumi praised him.
-"And you are a great professor."- Makoto complimented her too. They spent a little bit more of their afternoon in the arcade until the sunset came around. To their growing bond, the Star arcana got a second star.
Kazumi returned to LeBlanc. Sojiro was still there for closing time:
-"Ah. You're back."- Sojiro mentioned as he was cleaning the few dishes on the sink.
-"How was it today?"- Kazumi asked him as she sat by the counter.
-"Well, not very good. People don't come nearly enough when the weather is hot outside."- Sojiro said to her.-"But you seem like you had a good day."
-"Yes, something like that."- Kazumi mentioned.-"By the way, how long was I supposed to be suspended Sojiro-san?"
-"How long? Well…If I recall, the principal told me he was waiting for the statement of the hospital about the drug you had so they could start an investigation in the school to see if you gave it to others and nonsense like that…"- Sojiro explained.-"How come you ask now? It won't matter once your father gets here in 3 days…"
-"Well, routines make up most of people's days…I kind of miss mine."- Kazumi replied.-"No point thinking about it, right? I think I will just go to sleep early today…"
-"Sure. I'll close the store this time."- Sojiro said as he saw her go upstairs. He had the impression that his protegee had a different look on her, like she was living her fullest.
-"It wouldn't surprise if she ends up escaping out of here before her dad comes…"- he said to himself with a chuckle.
Kazumi went to sleep early and had a dream about going to the beach with Ann and her swimsuit bra came off. She was glad it was just a nightmare*.
July 6th
With two days left, Kazumi thought it was time to start saying her goodbyes. There was a problem though, she was not motivated to actually leave the city now, but resist leaving it. Kawakami had compiled more study material from her classes for her, so she went ahead to read the material. If this was her normal life, she would've had to worry about the upcoming exams before the summer vacation.
*Kazumi's knowledge increases by 3*
In the afternoon while cleaning her room, she found something curious:
-"Oh, this."- she noticed it was the paper bag with the revolver on it.-"I should probably give this back to the gun shop owner…"
-"We got around well with the equipment you got. It's a bit of a shame that we never got to try to ask him about more of these."- Morgana commented.
-"That reminds me that I haven't pawned off the ring! Let's give him a visit tonight."- Kazumi mentioned and put the covered gun in her bag.
-"You really left this place spotless."- Morgana said impressed.-"A phantom thief always leaves no prints behind. Good job."
*Kazumi's proficiency increases by 1*
Later,Kazumi left Shibuya for the Airsoft store. There was no clients around unlike the times she came during the day:
-"A little late to hang around these suburbs, don't you think, Lara Croft?"- the owner, Munehisa Iwai, noticed her come in, yet he did not move from his relaxed position of reading the newspaper with his foot on the counter.
-"Who…?"- Kazumi said, confused , moving her head slightly to the right.
-"Just blabbering of an old man."- he sighed unworried while he put the paper apart.-"So, what's gonna be tonight?"
-"First, I wanted to check with you about this."- Kazumi showed him the ring.-"It belonged to my grandmother before she passed away. I asked in a jewelry and they said it was pretty expensive."
-"Let me see that."- Iwai mentioned as he gathered a very convincing piece of equipment that he used to polish, observe and check the value of the diamond.-"Yeah, I think I'll give ya 800,000 yen for this."
-"That much…!?"- Kazumi was surprised as it was five times higher than the price Ryuji had looked it up for online.-"B-But, you wouldn't go bankrupt because of it, right?"
-"This ain't your run-of-the-mill neighborhood store, girl."- Iwai said with a smirk on his face.-"Is it a deal or not?"
-"Yes, sure!"- Kazumi accepted immediately and got the money in cash.
-"Well, any other business?"- Iwai asked her, seeing that the girl was still in his presence for more than two seconds.
-"Yes, it's about this."- Kazumi promptly took the paper bag out.-"I took a peak, and I wanted to ask you about it."
-"So you looked inside…"- Iwai had an exhausted face when he said that.-"It's a custom I modified to make it look as real as possible. I made it for a client."
-"You helped me out by smugglin' it outta here so I didn't get caught by those detectives back on May."-Iwai said.
-"You made it for someone else? Here, you can have it back."- Kazumi rushed to give the paper bag to him.
-"No."-Iwai pushed the bag back to her.-"After that incident with the detectives, the guy ended up canceling. You can have it free of charge for the favor. It's a Tkachev model II."
-"Thanks! My father … uhm … uncle … uhmmm … gonna be glad about having one of these in his collection…''- Kazumi said nervously excited, forgetting what excuse she was saying to whom.
-"Aren't you excited?"- Iwai still had a smirk on his face.-"You know you're an accomplice to gun smuggling now? Don't go snitchin'. I got everything on camera."
-"You don't need to blackmail me."- Kazumi said with a calm smile on her face.-"In truth, I was interested in purchasing more firearms like this one."
-"Is that so?"- Iwai took her words seriously and suddenly stood up.-"Come. Let's continue this conversation at the back."
-"I am feeling a deja vù…"- Kazumi thought about how it reminded her of her first visit to Takeo who she also deemed like a scary person to be around back then.
The backroom of the gun shop had a bunch of shelves with parts and ammunition. Iwai sat down on a heavy box and with visual contact told her to take a seat on the little chair next to it:
-"So, who the hell are you?"- he asked out of the blue with a piercing sight. If it wasn't for her daring attitude, Kazumi would be intimidated by that alone.-"And keep that lie about your father or your uncle collecting guns for someone who believes your pretty girly face…"
-"You got me."- Kazumi said keeping a straight attitude.-"The firearms are actually for my own collection, not for theirs."
-"So you are a gun enthusiast at your age?"- Iwai had to take a second to process that.-"Well, I guess you got the heart of an enthusiast if you are so interested in my custom work."
-"You're a strange kid, you know that?"- Iwai said with a chuckle.-"What are you? Middle school? High school?"
-"Second year high school."- Kazumi replied.
-"Interesting."- Iwai said, having something in mind.-"Well, since I brought you to the back, there might be a way to give you that wish of yours. I know you have the means to pay 'cause these things cost thousands, even millions. What do you say?"
-"How can I know you will not scam me?"- Kazumi said, crossing her arms.
-"Ahaha. Atta girl…"- Iwai found her comically very confident. He stood up from his seat.-"Look, I ain't a bad dude. I've known how to compromise from time to time."
-"Yes…?"- Kazumi said as she was waiting for him to make up his mind.
-"I have a lot of business to take care of around here."- Iwai said putting his hands on the pockets of his military coat.-"If you are willing to help me out with them, I'll introduce you to the special store…maybe even give some good, reasonable prices for a funny girl like you."
-"I'll accept as long as I know what kind of business you need my help with."- Kazumi said.
-"That's on a need-to-know basis and you don't need to know right now."- Iwai replied.-"I gotta fight evil with evil, and for that I need a pawn of my own."
-"So fight evil with evil, huh?"- Kazumi touched her chin in a thinking pose. Perhaps the gun shop owner was trustworthy, after all.
-"Our business is private so don't talk to anyone about it."- Iwai said.-"Waddaya say? Do we have a deal?"
-"Let's do it."- Kazumi stood up to offer her hand to him.
-"I'll think about that special menu for you. You should be grateful."-he accepted the handshake with no qualms, and their contract had begun.
-" I am thou. Thou art I.
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion,
That breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Hanged Man persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
Shall lead to freedom and new power."-to their bond, a new card with the inscription of the Hanged Man Arcana and a star appeared on the superior side.
*Starter Customization unlocked*
-"Alright. Now that the deal is done, let me get you a headstart."- Iwai mentioned as they broke the handshake.-"When no business is available, I'll make you do some miscellaneous tasks like cleaning around. I also have a son around your age, his name is Kaoru…and I want you to keep him away from all of this."
-"How exactly?"- Kazumi asked.
-"Everything at their appropriate time."- Iwai said to end the conversation.-"We are done here so just go home before it's late."
-"Thanks for your vow of confidence."- Kazumi said and left the place.
July 7th
One more day to go on the deadline of Furukawa's change of heart, and so far, there was no news. After forming bonds with new people in the last few days, Kazumi felt more resistant to the idea of leaving her life in Tokyo. To distract her mind from the stress of not knowing what to do, she decided to read the novel Recollections of a Geisha, from which she learnt a few things about how to please men to do what you want.
*Kazumi's charm increases by 2*
Around the afternoon, she got a text message from Ryuji:
-"Sup, cutie. How are you coming along?"-he texted her.
"Aren't you supposed to be in class?"-she asked him.
-"Nah. I'm ditchin' since lunchtime."-Ryuji replied.
-"Say, how about we go on that…hang out you owe me?"
"You really waited until the last day, huh?"-Kazumi felt like laughing at Ryuji being Ryuji.-"Alright, Mr. Sunny. Where do we meet up?"
-"Have you gone to Ichigaya? Let's go there."- Ryuji suggested.
"Alright. I'll be there ASAP."- Kazumi replied and left the conversation.
-"Oh? Are we going somewhere?"- Morgana asked interested.
-"Ryuji-kun asked me to hang out."- Kazumi mentioned.-"I don't think I have gone to Ichihaya before, what should I wear…?"
-"I think I'll pass if it's with Ryuji."- Morgana said as he went back to manspreading in front of the fan.-"It's always the same training thing and I get left behind."
-"Well, suit yourself, just don't let Sojiro-san catch you."- Kazumi mentioned as she was checking her clothes box on what to wear. She opted for a light blue blouse with loose sleeves, black knife pleated skirt with red feathers knitted on one of the pockets, and geta sandals with blue straps.
-"Meowow!"- Morgana was suddenly distracted by her different appearance.-"You are going to go like that to see Ryuji? Is there something I'm missing here?"
-"Haha. Very funny."- Kazumi put her hands on her hips.-"I just felt like trying out a different style."
-"Have fun and come back by 8."- Morgana said with a mocking smile while he saw her take her smaller bag with her.
-"Who made you the king?"- Kazumi replied to him a bit annoyed before leaving with a beige hat to cover herself from the sun.
After Kazumi left, Morgana looked at the silent room:
-"..."- he sighed in sadness.-"I keep getting the feeling that I shouldn't separate from her ever since that incident in the hospital…and even when everything is okay now…"
-"What is this uneasiness I feel?"- Morgana was deep in thought, but he couldn't find his answer.
After a subway trip to Ichigaya Station, Kazumi was able to find her notorious blonde friend with the yellow tank top and beige shorts:
-"Kazu-! Woah!"- Ryuji noticed her to not before processing her new look.
-"What? Do I have something in my face…?"- Kazumi asked, based on his shocked expression, but proceeded to look for her portable mirror to find nothing.-"Ah, there's nothing…"
-"Of course there is…!"- Ryuji disputed.-"I mean, not your face, more like…all over…"
-"Ah. I get it."- Kazumi smiled.-"It's a nice change of pace, isn't it? I just hope it's appropriate for whatever we are going to do around here."
-"Don't worry about it. Let's go, the pond is this way."- Ryuji said with a smirk, feeling relieved to see that despite confident, Kazumi was still adorably flustered sometimes.
-"A pond…?"- she followed him closely until they got to a large body of water where all kinds of people were fishing:
-"So? Whaddya think?"- Ryuji asked her.-"It's a cool relaxing spot, amirite?"
-"I guess. I didn't know you wanted to go relax instead of having fun today."- Kazumi replied a bit confused.
-"I didn't know you wanted to have fun instead of relaxing."- Ryuji said back while putting his hands on his pockets.-"I mean…there's no sign yet of Furukawa changing, and your lil' bro…"
-"Oh, I see. He was worried about me."- Kazumi thought with a smile.
-"I haven't fished before. Let's give it a try."- she responded to him, as a way to tell him she was ok with his plans.
-"Right! Let's go rent fish rods then!"- Ryuji said with an excited smirk.
After collecting their rods, fishnets, and bait, the two of them sat down to release the string and sit back:
-"So, now we just wait for them to bite the bait?"- Kazumi asked as she was grabbing her fish rod.
-"Yeah. It's easy to see thanks to that floating ball."- Ryuji said as he pointed at the floater at the end of the string.-"I have been here a few times but it's all down to luck and mine's shit."
-"Ehehe."- Kazumi laughed at his comment.-"Now I wanna get a big one just to annoy you~"
-"For real?"- Ryuji was surprised that she was upfront with that thought.-"Good luck with that, then."
-"Bet Morgana would be salivating if you even catch the biggest fish in the lake."- Ryuji commented, and the silence made him notice something.-"Wait, Morgana ain't here with you?"
-"He thought we were going to run, so he decided to stay home."- Kazumi explained.-"Yusuke-kun lives in a dorm, and Makoto-senpai in an apartment complex, so neither of them can take Morgana in after I leave…He's going to live as a stray cat while he looks for a way to the depths."
-"That's true, or he could even live in Mementos as well. He was doing fine before we picked him up."- Ryuji said as he crossed his arms.
-"..."- Kazumi stood silent while observing the quiet waters of the pond.
-"Listen, Aniki is cool and all, but…"- Ryuji initiated the conversation again.-"I don't really feel Les Blues Rebelles will be the same without you."
-"I think we all think that, don't we?"- Kazumi replied to him.-"But, things change and sometimes change is inevitable."-her response made Ryuji annoyed, no, it made him feel anger.
-"You sound like you don't mind at all if you leave…"- he replied with a sober tone and a sharp look in his eyes.-"You said that your dad won't change his opinion, right? Ya think what he's doing is the best for you?"
-"I didn't say that."- Kazumi's face changed into a frown. She felt offended by his words.-"My father is a pathetic man who lives his life without fulfillment. He made the mistake of marrying to a rich family for business, he kept a child he didn't love with him out of torment, and he thinks appealing to my arrogant mother is more important than anything…"
-"What could he know…?"- the floater started to splash, but Kazumi was not even looking at it when she was saying all those insults towards her father.
-"Uh…Kazumi…"- Ryuji tried to point at her to pull back.
-"How could he know what's best for me!?"- and out of rage, she pulled the rod with such strength that the fish biting the bait of her rod, a vibrant green-colored trout, came flying and then…
-"UUUUArgh!!"- ended up falling on top of Ryuji.
-"Wah! Ryuji-kun!"- Kazumi dropped her fishing rod in surprise as she noticed the still living trout thrusting side to side over the hurt blonde. Kazumi dragged the water bucket to his side and wiggled the string so the fish jumped on it, relieved to be able to breathe again.
-"Ah…my head…"- Ryuji complained as he sat down.
-"...Sorry."- she apologized for her outburst, but Ryuji did not want to hold it against her.
-"It ain't like I haven't been hit with worse."- Ryuji replied as he stood up.-"Yuck. Now I smell like fish…!"
-"There must be a clothing store nearby."- Kazumi proposed while she slowly covered her nose with her hat.-"Let's get you some new clothes…and a shower…".
Kazumi spoke shortly with the fish pond attendant who gave her 350 points cashable to their prize store in exchange for the trout. They made their way to a nearby public bath where Ryuji took a bath while Kazumi figured out the clothes. Ryuji came out of the place with the clothes she selected: a yellow undershirt with a torn-off sleeves t-shirt and brown Capri pants:
-"You look great!"- Kazumi clapped happily.
-"You sound like my mum…"- Ryuji complained about her way of praising his outfit.
-"I couldn't find a laundromat anywhere so I just bought new clothes."- Kazumi explained.-"Take good care of them."
-"You might as well take a photo since it'll be the last time you'll see them this clean."- Ryuji said to her with an exhausted expression.
-"That's a good idea."- Kazumi took her phone and stood next to him inadvertently.-"Say, cheese!"
-"Hey…! That's not my best angle!"- Ryuji complained but Kazumi was pretty satisfied with the photo.
-"I'm gonna send it to Ann~"-Kazumi said and did as told, but didn't get an immediate response.-"Uh. I guess she's busy…"
-"So, what do we do now?"- she turned around and asked him.-"Return to fishing?"
-"I'd rather not be slapped by one again."- Ryuji complained.-"How about we go to Ogikubo to grab some food?"
-"The usual ramen shop?"- Kazumi asked confidently.
-"That's right, cutie."- he replied with the same confidence.
While the two rebels were out there trying to forget their problems, Ann arrived to LeBlanc with Yusuke and Makoto:
-"Welcome. Oh, it's you guys…"- Sojiro said surprised to see them.-"What's the occasion?"
-"Hello, sir. We were just gonna try to surprise Kazumi with our visit."- Ann said to him.
-"Is that so? Well, she left a little bit like an hour ago."- Sojiro mentioned.
-"Oh, did she?"- Yusuke said, feeling a bit surprised.-"I guess staying all day in her bedroom isn't her kind of passtime."
-"It's perfect."- Ann smiled.-"Alright, you two. Let's make this surprise visit into a surprise party!"
-"I see. Are we allowed to go to her room?"- Makoto asked Sojiro.
-"You guys have been here before. I'm sure she won't mind.''- Sojiro said unworriedly as he went back to his crossword.
Upstairs, Ann noticed Morgana sleeping in front of the fan:
-"Ah…the heat is so…hot…"- the cat complained and then noticed the other three.-"You guys! What're you doing here?"
-"Morgana. You are here…?"- Yusuke asked, thinking it was unusual.-"Kazumi-san! Is she alright? Why are you not together?"
-"She didn't do something reckless, right!?"- Ann seemed to catch that same panic.
-"Calm down, Yusuke. I decided not to go with her, but she's fine."- Morgana mentioned.
-"Why are you guys so agitated, suddenly?"- Makoto asked, not understanding their reaction.
-"Long story short, nothing good happens when Kazumi doesn't have Morgana with her."- Ann said with a big sigh.
-"Last time, it was truly nerve wracking to see that she left to Mementos on her own…"- Yusuke added as well.
-"Heh. So Morgana is like her little guardian."- Makoto found it funny.-"Who would've thought? But, seriously, where did she go? There's not much of a surprise if she comes home early."
-"Well…"- Morgana had a smirk on his face, ready to cause a bit of chaos. Until, Ann's phone rang with Kazumi's message.
-"Oh, it's her."- Ann opened the chat and saw the photo along with Kazumi writing ' Bought some clothes for Ryuji, how does it look?'.
-"Well? Is she alright, Ann?"- Yusuke asked her.
"Not bad. Personally, I'll dye his hair back to black to make him good-looking."-Ann replied to Kazumi with a smile on her face.
-"Ann…?"- Makoto asked, seeing that she was texting fast.
-"She's alright, just exploring a bit of the city."- Ann replied while she put her phone back.-"You two, let's get to work. She's not coming home in a few hours."
-"Leave the decoration to me. I'll put my heart into it."- Yusuke mentioned.
-"I brought a karaoke machine. I'll start plugging it to the TV."- Makoto mentioned.-"..."
-"What's wrong, Makoto?"- Yusuke asked him.
-"I was just wondering where Ryuji went. I believe he got reported for skipping class today and now he doesn't answer his phone."- Makoto mentioned.
-"I see."- Yusuke started to get to work by unpacking the decoration materials.-"It's disconsiderate of him. Kazumi-san has done so much and yet, he refuses to participate in her farewell celebration."
-"I'll go to collect the cake."- Ann mentioned as she left the attic.-"Guys are so dumb…"- she murmured to herself thinking how clueless were those two to the fact that Ryuji had the advantage now.
After they ate their meal in Ogikubo, the couple of teenagers traveled south to Odaiba Seaside Park to watch the giant mecha robot from the famous series War Suit Unidam:
-"Ann replied."- Kazumi said as she pulled out her phone, while Ryuji was taking a bunch of photos with the cool giant robot.-"It seems everyone is in LeBlanc…"
-"Oh, really?"- Ryuji said and he checked his chat app to see missing messages from his friends and his mother, probably because he skipped school.-"Oh man, I'm cooked…"
-"Should we go back?"- Kazumi asked him.-"It's starting to get dark."
-"I dunno. I kinda feel a bit tired. We took the train all the way from the Ichigaya line…"- Ryuji said, crossing his arms behind his head.-"Let's take a break. There must be a bench somewhere."
After they found one with a good sight to the Odaiba bridge under the sunset, they sat down and went silent for a couple of minutes:
-"This reminds me of a show I used to watch as a kid where a yellow dinosaur and a giant parrot fought over this bridge…"-Ryuji commented with a chuckle.
-"That Unidam just awakened that memory in you, huh?"- Kazumi said, feeling complex because of his way of bringing up a conversation.
-"Of course not."- Ryuji complained but then his face turned serious.-"Hey, I'm sorry for what I said back on the pond. You got really worked up over it."
-"..."- Kazumi looked down.-"I didn't consider how you felt about it. It's fine."
-"T-This ain't about how I feel…"- Ryuji felt flustered by the way she worded it, even when she didn't mean to address his feelings.-"This is about your decision, and about our team."
-"I love my mum and all but if she wanted to move out of the city at this moment, I'll throw a tantrum and ask her to let me stay."- Ryuji said to her.-"That's how I would do it…!"
-"I don't wanna go…"- Kazumi murmured.
-"What did you…?"- Ryuji paid attention to her, only for seconds later, to have her head covering his chest.-"Kazumi…?"
-"I wanna stay."- she said with a break in her voice.-"I have met so many people… I have done something good for others…"
-"Why did that woman have to ruin yet another good thing in my life?"- she started to cry, making him panic.
-"Hey, hey, come on."- he said exasperated.-"You're gonna wet it…! Ugh, nevermind."- and so he gave up and just shyly put his hand over her head as consolation.
-"Don't cry too much. Everyone's waiting for ya at your place, remember?"- Ryuji said, trying to get her to calm down, but didn't get an answer back.
-"I guess I suck at this, unlike aniki…"- Ryuji thought to himself in disappointment.
The two of them returned to LeBlanc where Kazumi wondered why the lights were off:
-"Weird. Sojiro should still have the place open at this time.."- Kazumi said as she opened the business and when she turned on the lights, two confetti poppers were triggered in front of her.-"Woah!!"
-"Surprise~!"- Ann and Morgana said together as they saw her come in. Makoto and Yusuke were there as well.
-"Everyone…!"- Kazumi said, shocked to see them.-"It's so late. I thought you guys went home…"
-"A surprise party, really? Y'all didn't tell me anything."- Ryuji said as he came in.
-"That's because you didn't answer your phone."- Makoto said to him.-"Wait a moment…"
-"Were you two together this whole time?"- Yusuke asked with suspicion.
-"Uh. Yeah?"- Ryuji said honestly.-"I invited her out, as friends, of course. Right, Kazumi?"
-"Yes. I lost a bet to him."- Kazumi nodded.-"Why? Is there something wrong, Yusuke-kun? You look flustered…"
-"Me? I…don't…"-Yusuke was taken aback by her question.
-"Right, Yusuke. The important thing here is that both of them are here now."- Makoto coughed before trying to reason with Yusuke.
-"You kind of have the same expression, Makoto-senpai."- Kazumi added while making a demanding pose by crossing her arms.
-"That's not true…"- Makoto replied immediately while a drop of sweat fell through his cheek.
-"Ugh…"- Ann sighed and took herself from the head.-"These guys are really something…".
-"Hehehe. What a bunch of kids…"- Morgana found it funny to see them discussing for Kazumi.
-"Alright, boys, no fights in my café."- Sojiro interrupted by bringing over the strawberry shortcake.-"We only have this one night to celebrate this."
-"That cake looks so good…!"- Kazumi mentioned excitedly as she glanced at it.
-"Thanks! I chose it myself."- Ann said proud of herself.
-"Well, a party is a party! Let's get it started!"- Ryuji said to bring the excitement back to the place.
The teenagers made a brindis first to wish luck to Kazumi, and then talked over some cake. Sojiro had to go home and did not want to get in the way of their celebration, so he left and closed the door behind:
-"How nice of you guys to make me a party."- Kazumi smiled.-"I wish Furukawa had confessed already so we could celebrate that too."
-"Right? I wonder if something happened to her."- Ann mentioned.-"Remember that the shadow told us about how she feared for her own life…"
-"She is not on questioning currently."- Makoto mentioned.-"Seems like Ichimose moved the threads here and there with lawyers so she wasn't questioned by the investigators about the calling card and the Phantom Thieves."
-"I imagine your sister is not very happy about it…"- Kazumi said to him.
-"You got that right."- Makoto sighed in tiredness.
-"Well, that sounds like good news to me."- Morgana mentioned.-"Only one more day…"
-"By the way, are we just eating cake? I was hoping there was more to it."- Kazumi mentioned.
-"Good that you ask, I brought a karaoke machine."- Makoto said with a smile.-"How about a round?"
-"I don't think I have ever done one of those before. Let me try!"- Kazumi stood up excited.-"Who else is in?"
-"I could try one or two songs."- Yusuke mentioned.
-"Oh? What the heck? It's not like we are in public. Let me join in too!"- Ann said, fired up, and they all went upstairs.
-"Ryuji-kun, you too!"- Kazumi called him up.
-"Yeah, sure."- Ryuji stood up and followed them, not very excited.
The group sang all kinds of classic and new karaoke songs until it was time to go home before the subway was out of service. Kazumi stayed to clean the leftovers of the party so that Sojiro had an easier time the next day.
July 8th.
This was the day of the deadline. At Shujin Academy in the morning, Makoto was called to the office of Principal Kobayakawa:
-"Did you want to see me, sir?"- he mentioned, confused.
-"Yes, unfortunately, I must inform you that I am disappointed in you."- Kobayakawa mentioned.-"To think this whole time you were involved with Kazumi Asaka's drug addiction and distribution…"
-"What? What are you talking about, sir?"- Makoto asked even more confused.-"Asaka is not a drug addict."
-"So you still choose to lie to me. Your sister will be even less pleased with this."- Kobayakawa said upset.-"You can come in."-he said as he called two people to enter the office.
-"Who are you??"- Makoto asked and suddenly was grabbed by the shoulders and restrained against his will.-"What's happening, Principal Kobayakawa?"
-"These men are with a very trust-worthy medical practitioner. I imagine you know her as we last spoke of her."- Kobayakawa said.-"They will take you for treatment so that you can become clean of the drug that you have been consuming with Asaka."
-"Wait…! I am not drugged!"- Makoto's sight was full of horror.-"Principal! This is all a lie, right!? That woman Furukawa is nothing more than a liar!!"
-"He's getting combative."- Kobayakawa mentioned and the men made Makoto faint by knocking him out with a punch on the abdomen.-"Truly a shame to see our most upbringing student in this situation…"
Kazumi woke up scared:
-"Makoto-senpai!!"- she screamed as she stood up.
-"What happened?? Are you alright?"- Morgana was alarmed as well for seeing her wake up like that."
-"I had a horrible dream…"- Kazumi mentioned as she took herself from the head.-"No choice thinking about it. I have to start packing."
A day later, Kazumi went down stairs, where she found her father in the counter, waiting for her:
-"Hey. Is coffee good for you?"- Sojiro mentioned as he noticed her get downstairs with her bags.
-"Dad…"- Kazumi looked down in embarrassment.
-"Don't say anything. I was having high hopes that you would stay out of trouble for a year, but you have found a way to make it even worse for both."- he said coldly.-"Let's go."
-"...Yes"- Kazumi obliged without second thoughts…but why?
-"Safe travels, girl."- Sojiro mentioned as they left the premises.
As soon as she and her father left the store, they found two police officers in front of them:
-"Officers, can we help you?"- her dad asked, confused.
-"Are you Kazumi Asaka?"- one of the officers asked.
-"Yes…that's my name…"- Kazumi replied.
-"We have a warrant of arrest and placement into a rehabilitation clinic on your name."- the detective next to him said as he pulled the certificate that said such thing.-"This one was made by Councillor Haruka Furukawa."
-"You were previously arrested for drug possession and assault, yes? That means you are on probation."- the detective reminded her.-"You have to come with us, now."
-"What? That's ridiculous!"- her dad said enraged.-"I'm sure you got the wrong person. Let's go, Kazumi."
-"Sir. If you don't collaborate with the arrest of her daughter, I am afraid we will have to take you too into custody."- the policeman said with a serious voice.
-"Ugh…!"- Kazumi saw her dad fall back into a corner. As she expected, he would just sulk into his own inability to act. She knew it was over…
….
….
Or was it?
She could hear the chirps of the birds and the sunlight reached her face from the window. Kazumi woke up exhausted:
-"It was all just a dream…"- she murmured to herself.-"It felt so real…"
-"*Yawn* Good morning…"- Morgana woke up after her.-"What's wrong?"- and noticed her texting on her phone.
-"I want to check on Makoto-senpai…"- she said as she texted him, since it was 9 am, checking that nothing had happened to him.
/"Sorry, I'll check your message later."
/"I got called to the office of Principal Kobayakawa."
"Got it. Be on your guard."- Kazumi wrote, feeling that it was similar to the scenario of her dream.
-"I have to start packing…"- Kazumi stood up, feeling that she couldn't stay in bed all day thinking about a dream.
In Shujin Academy, Makoto was called to the office of Principal Kobayakawa:
-"Did you want to see me, sir?"- he mentioned, confused.
-"Of course, it's about your report."- Kobayakawa said upset.-"Care to explain?"
-"I wrote what I meant. The Phantom Thieves are just."- Makoto said to him upfront.-"After all, they took care of that mafia boss, Kaneshiro, before it became a real problem."
-"So figured out who they are?"- Kobayakawa said surprised. That was the only piece of information that mattered.
-"No. I was never really close to figuring it out."- Makoto mentioned.-"But, given an analysis of their actions and principles, I have deduced that they are doing a great service to the world by 'stealing hearts'."
-"Kazumi Asaka is also an unfortunate victim of her circumstances. She did not drug herself, someone did that to her while nobody was looking."-Makoto added.-"So, upon concluding neither the Phantom Thieves nor Asaka present a threat to our school environment, I will finish my investigation and make the petition of ending her suspension."
-"But that's impossible…!"- Kobayakawa refuted.
-"What is impossible?"- Makoto asked him.-"I might need concrete evidence of what you are saying."
-"Excuse me, Principal Kobayakawa. There's a visitor who wants to speak with you."- the secretary said from the phone speaker.-"It is urgent that you see them."
-"I wasn't expecting any visitors…"- Kobayakawa said, suddenly he broke in a cold sweat thinking it wasn't safe for him to be alone with that person.-"You stay here, young man. We haven't finished our conversation."
-"Excuse us…"- the voice of a man entered the room, Makoto was shocked to see that he recognized the man.
At LeBlanc, Kazumi was still packing when Sojiro called her downstairs:
-"...Dad…!"- she was surprised that her dad was there, just like in her dream. Despite the fact that he was supposed to come tomorrow.-"You are early…"
-"I just arrived from the airport."- he said to her.-"We are still parting tomorrow. I was just catching up with Sakura-san."
-"I see…"- Kazumi let out a sigh and sat down on the same table as him.-"So, dad…"
-"Coffee good for you?"- Sojiro mentioned as he left a cup of his arabic blend in front of her.
-"Ah, yes. Thank you."- Kazumi said immediately, which made her dad smile relieved.
-"Your coffee truly is out of this world after all these years, Sakura-san."- he said as he adjusted his glasses.-"How about the curry? If I recall, last time you were still figuring out more recipes with her…"
-"Yeah, no, same old."- Sojiro said with an exhausted expression.-"She also…you know…"
-"Oh…"- Mr. Asaka frowned.-"I'm so sorry to hear that."
-"Who are they talking about…?"- Kazumi wondered while she was drinking her coffee.
-"Anyways, dad."- Kazumi mentioned.-"Do I really have to leave with you?"
-"That's a stupid question and you know it."- he replied demanding.-"I am not playing around. It's better if you leave this country all and all if you have the chance to meet this woman again. She could've killed you!"
-"She didn't."- Kazumi replied.-"For the three weeks that I stayed out of school, she didn't kill me. Why would I have to leave because of something that didn't and won't happen?"
-"Careful with that tone. I am still your father."- he said with a demanding tone.-"And as long as you are a minor, I am the one taking care of your safety."
-"If that was true, you would have visited Kazuya at least once and spoke to Doctor Hiromi about his treatment, or you could've taken him to another doctor!"- Kazumi said to him upfront.-"But you didn't know…and you turned a blind eye… It was always that way since he was diagnosed…"
-"Kazumi…!"- Mr. Asaka stood up, frustrated by her insolence.
-"My usual clients are going to arrive. Please keep your quarrel upstairs."- Sojiro warned them.
-"No, it's alright, Sakura-san."- the dad said, taking a deep breath.-"We are leaving today."
-"I am not."- Kazumi said to him.-"I had to make my life from scratch in Tokyo and now you want to make me leave it because you can't grow a bone, dad."
-"What's got you so changed?"- he found it frustrating the way she spoke.-"You were my obedient and upbringing daughter…Was it because you related yourself with cocky city brats?"
-"..."- Kazumi bit her lip in rage. She was not having it. But, before she could continue to ramble on against him, the doorbell rang, and they stopped as it could be Sojiro's clients. However, Kazumi froze at the sight of two familiar people entering the building.
The police precinct suddenly had a flow of journalists who caught wind of Haruka Furukawa being the last main member of the ministry to be dismissed. However, when she came out, her head was low and defeated:
-"Councillor Furukawa! A few questions please?"- one of the journalists asked her as she was exiting the place with her bodyguards.
-"Hey, don't get in the way!"- one of the bodyguards pushed him.
-"Councillor Furukawa! Was the calling card from the Phantom Thieves real?"- another journalist with characteristic sunglasses and bob haircut asked her as she made her way to the front for a scoop.-"What are the crimes that you were held accountable for?"
-"Mrs. Furukawa is not answering any questions. Piss off, woman."- the other guard told her.
-"It's enough."- Furukawa said with a soft voice.-"I can't hide this anymore…"
-"But…! Mrs. Furukawa…!"- the bodyguard spoke in frustration.
-"This is my responsibility. I will assume all charges and consequences."- she said with a regretful face.
-"Tell us. What are those charges?"- the journalist, actually Ichiko Ohya, asked her and suddenly she had all the microphones from the interested channels on her face.
-"I am not actually developing any cure for the psychotic breakdowns. There isn't any. It was all a truce of mine to capitalize on the topic."- she started to confess to the shock and even more inquisitive looks of the journalists.-"I apologize for that…and all the other awful things I have done to continue my research on medicine…"
-"Thousands of children and other vulnerable populations…as long as anyone could pay for their treatment I made them sicker, so their stay was permanent."- she admitted while rubbing her hand with the wedding ring of it.-"The doctors who opposed my research and their funding, I made sure they were all dealt with, depending on the circumstances."
-"What's going on? What is all that noise outside!?"- the SUI director asked as he saw the police department lobby being shaken up by the revelations right outside. He looked at the TV in the lobby to see Furukawa in front of the spotlight.-"What is that woman doing…!?"
-"Mrs. Furukawa, so everything the Phantom Thieves wrote is true? Why do such a thing?"- a journalist asked her.
-"It's all true…All true…"- Furukawa said and then fell on her knees.-"I even framed the genius doctor Hiromi with the death of one of his patients: a little kid who was barely able to know the world…"
-"I AM SUCH A SICK PERSON…!"- she wailed as she covered her face full of tears.-"I'm sorry…I'm sorry even if my apologies aren't enough…"
-"That's it. No more questions."- the bodyguards stood between the journalist and Furukawa as she kept wailing in pain.
The news transmitted all of this for everyone to see, and beyond the murmurs of Furukawa's confession, there was also a new belief:
-"They actually did it. The Phantom Thieves changed her heart."
-"This is just like Madarame."
-"There was a calling card too! I saw it on the news!"-suddenly, there was an increase of votes on the Phantom Aficionado website. More people started to really believe in these shadow mercenaries.
In Shujin Academy during class, Yuuki Mishima noticed his phone's notifications vibrate and saw in shock that his website was having more visitors and all of them talked about the news about Furukawa:
-"So this is the last heist, Asaka-san?"- he thought to himself with a frown. For some reason, not even the current success of the Phantom Thieves could make him excited.
In the Principal's office, the person who presented himself to Kobayakawa and Makoto was none other than Minister Yamaoto:
-"I apologize for the unexpected visit."- Yamaoto said with an amenable tone.-"Oh…It's you, young man."
-"Minister…I am glad you look better."- Makoto said with a vow.
-"Minister Yamaoto…What's the occasion for his visit?"- Kobayakawa said surprised.
-"After all that questioning for the closing conference, I couldn't come and express my gratitude for the excellent students that your school selected for the contest."- Yamaoto mentioned.-"Especially this young man over here whom I owe my life for saving me."
-"Owe…?"- Kobayakawa said in shock.
-"There was another student I wanted to congratulate personally, Kazumi Asaka."- Yamaoto mentioned.-"Though it's a bit selfish, I just want to thank her for putting Furukawa in her place the first day with her arguments."
-"Unfortunately, Asaka was suspended."- Makoto mentioned.-"She was found in the hospital with an overdose of an unknown substance that same day."
-"Goodness gracious…!"- Yamaoto said in shock.-"So that happened to that poor girl…"
-"I'm sure she will need all the thoughts and support, Minister."- Kobayakawa said in an effort to appease the politician.
-"I ask that you remove her suspension, Principal."- Yamaoto asked suddenly and let his accompanying bodyguard put a document on his desk.-"This is a signed confession from Haruka Furukawa. She admitted to have assaulted and drugged this girl because she disliked being confronted by her."
-"What…?"- Kobayakawa said in shock.
-"Truly disgusting to see this behavior in our members, but this is the one thing I agreed to amend for her in the name of all the Health Bureau."- he replied.-"Well, Principal?"
-"Surely. I will make the arrangements to remove her suspension…"- Kobayakawa said defeated.
-"I'm sure she will be forever grateful, Minister Yamaoto."- Makoto said with a pleased smile. He couldn't wait to tell the others that the change of heart worked.
At LeBlanc, Kazumi was surprised to see Ichimose Furukawa himself with a policeman:
-"Pardon the interruption. We are looking for Kazumi Asaka."- the police officer said.
-"That would be my daughter…"- Mr. Asaka said with a nod of his throat out of fear.-"Is there a problem, officer?"
-"I see, I request the both of you to accompany me to the police station to discuss pressing charges."- the policeman said.-"Charges against Haruka Furukawa."
-"Charges…? What is this about…?"- Mr. Asaka said in shock.
-"My wife really had done some terrible things to your children…"- Ichimose said regretful.-"Please, Mr. Asaka, let me amend for the death of your younger child."
-"Dad."- Kazumi looked at him with a stern and serious look. She was waiting for him to make the right decision.
-"...Fine."- Mr. Asaka said.-"Let's go."
July 9th
The next morning in Shujin Academy. All students were just preparing for the first period, and they were all discussing the events from yesterday regarding Furukawa's confession and arrest. Ann, meanwhile, was looking at her phone waiting for something. Yesterday at lunchtime, Makoto had told them that Yamaoto made the principal lift Kazumi's suspension, and yet when they were going to tell her the good news, she was not there. Sojiro told them that Kazumi and her father left to deal with private business that day:
-"No messages yet…"- Ann whispered disappointed.-"Did she leave already…?"
-"Alright, everyone, to your seats."- Kawakami arrived at the classroom for homeroom period. The students then remained silent and sat down.-"Now for the announcements…"
-"You can come in."- Kawakami said to someone behind the door.
-"Yes."- Ann was surprised to hear that voice again and turned in disbelief to see Kazumi in her uniform entering the classroom.
-"It's the transfer student…!"- the students started to murmur again to the sudden visit.-"Did they lift her suspension? I heard the council president made a politician lift it…! You think those two…?"
-"Settle down."- Kawakami demanded them to be quiet. Mishima was wide eyed to see her again after all she said before.
-"Your classmate, Kazumi Asaka, is coming back to class today."- Kawakami said to the whole class.
-"Glad to be back."- Kazumi said with a confident smile, one that many of her classmates wouldn't appreciate but she did not care.
Her life in Tokyo and the story of Les Blues Rebelles will keep going, now with a new desire for justice and truth.
Take your time.
Author's Notes:
Makoto was given the Star Arcana instead of the High Priestess because the latter is too deeply associated with female empowering symbology and I thought it would be in poor taste to give it to a guy. Hifumi Todo will be the High Priestess.
In Persona 5, if you go to sleep early, there's a chance that Ren gets weird nightmares like losing his swim shorts on the beach.
War Suit Unidam is just a reference to Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn (the model displayed in Odaiba's DiverCity back in 2014-2017).
*The underlined text is the dialogue in the bad ending where Furukawa's heart is not changed.