Chapter 18: The Moon, The Sun

Ω • Ω • Ω

•Makoto•

5/6, Friday

"Excuse me?" She knocked on the door to Principal Kobayakawa's office, waiting for a response.

"Yes, come in!" Upon hearing the acknowledgment, she opened the door and entered, finding the principal sitting behind his desk waiting for her.

She bowed, folding her hands as she stood before his desk. "You wanted to see me, sir?"

"Yes. I'm sure you saw the state that Kamoshida-kun was in during that… awful event, did you not?" Upon seeing her nod, he frowned, crossing his arms. "It's as though his entire personality had completely or suddenly changed. Something is definitely wrong here."

"Um, sir, I'm not sure I follow."

"From what I've heard and understand, it appears as though some students had been meddling in his business. Specifically, some known troublemakers. If they had done something to him, who could they be?"

"Are you saying that these students caused Kamoshida-sensei to change?" She frowned at the thought. If that was the case, this was serious. Someone threatening a renowned teacher and managing to get him arrested with fabricated charges was incredibly wrong.

...On the other hand, she'd seen several students visibly happier, cheering even, that Kamoshida-sensei was gone. Saying they didn't need to fear the 'King of Shujin' any longer. In which case… what was true? Had Kamoshida-sensei been forced to lie and be arrested? Were the accusations true? She'd heard rumors about what was going on but they couldn't be true! Even if they were, it wasn't like she could do anything, right…?

"That is what I wish to know," Principal Kobayakawa continued, cutting into her thoughts. "Even if it involves probing into student matters. I would like you to look into this for me."

"Well, it is true that there are many rumors regarding Kamoshida-sensei circulating now… but, do you mean all of this talk about the Phantom Thieves? That talk of 'stealing his desires?' Do you really think that's possible?"

Principal Kobayakawa shook his head. "It is undeniable that Kamoshida-san has changed in some way. I'd like to have a grasp on the case. This shall also ensure that I handle the media and police in the correct fashion."

"Oh…" Handle the media? Police? What was there to handle? If Kamoshida really was guilty he would need to be put away. Did Principal Kobayakawa worry about media attention on the school? Wasn't that less important than finding out whether one of their staff was a true criminal or not?

But there had to be a reason for it if he was worrying so much about it. Adults were always right after all. Perhaps he just didn't want pressure from reporters distracting the third years preparing for entrance exams? That had to be it…

"I will continue speaking to Kamoshida-san myself. Unless you find whoever did this, these irresponsible rumors will likely never die down. Don't you agree? You have been at the top of your class since day one. Your conduct is good, and all the teachers favor you. I could write you a recommendation for any college of your choosing, Niijima-san!"

"Th-Thank you…" A recommendation from the principal himself on top of her achievements would practically guarantee her admittance to whatever college she chooses…

"I'm sure your lineage must certainly play a part in this excellence. Your sister is still young, yet she holds an admirable position at the Public Prosecutor's Office, no? If something disappointing were to happen here, that wouldn't reflect very well on your sister."

Her heart nearly dropped, and she took a sharp breath. She couldn't just… She couldn't be a burden to her sister. "Yes. I understand."

"Haha, how wise! It's no wonder you're our student council president. I'd appreciate it if you could look into this matter as soon as possible. There are a few students I have in mind that could be linked to this, and I suggest you investigate them first. Akira Starr, and Ryuji Sakamoto. Apparently, they were asking about Kamoshida some weeks before the incident, and of course, both are noted troublemakers. You've seen Sakamoto-san's grades, and Starr-san's arrest record, correct?"

"Yes… If you'll excuse me, then, I'll start right away." She exited his office and began walking back to her classroom. Investigating the criminal and the delinquent… It could be dangerous, who knew how they might snap if something went wrong and she needed to confront them? Well, it wasn't as though she was defenseless, she could likely take them in a fight. Still…

No. Push down those thoughts. She would make herself useful. She wouldn't let down all the adults around her. She would prove herself.

Ω • Ω • Ω

•Akira•

Morgana hopped into his bag before he slung it over his shoulder and looked down at his phone. Ryuji was apparently going to go buy groceries for his mother, Ann was likely going to go visit Shiho… perhaps he could take the day for himself. Ah, he could go visit the batting cages near Leblanc!

"A-Ah, Starr-san?"

"Mishima-san?" He pocketed his phone and turned to the boy, leaning back against his desk. "What's up?"

"Uh, well…" Mishima stopped, clearly sorting through the thoughts in his head, before nodding. "Have you seen that Phantom Aficionado Website?"

"Of course."

"Well… I'm the one who started it." His eyes widened slightly at the revelation, looking at Mishima in a new light.

"Really?"

"Yeah! And, um…" Mishima leaned in, whisper-yelling in excitement. "You guys are the Phantom Thieves, right?! You and Ryuji?!"

He almost denied it, before simply nodding. Mishima already knew they had been planning to do something, it was a logical next step to assume that they were the Phantom Thieves. He of course didn't know about Ann, but still. "Yeah. I trust that you're not going to be ratting us out to anyone, of course."

"No! I won't, of course not!"

"Good. I'd have to kill you otherwise." A beat passed where it seemed like Mishima had passed out standing up. "Joking."

"Right… Listen, I just… Kamoshida used me and made me do those terrible things to you and Sakamoto-san… I know this isn't much of a way for me to apologize for it, but if there are any other ways for me to help, just let me know!"

"Sure, you've been a big help already."

"Ha… I'm glad to hear that. Yeah. It's not just Kamoshida. There are tons of evil adults out there! But I'm sure you— I mean, the Phantom Thieves will be able to do something. I mean, they won't just end after one target, right?"

"Well, only they would know, right?"

"Yeah. Which is why I made the forum! People can post their problems there, and the Thieves can help them out. There are a lot of people with problems, and who have high hopes for the Phantom Thieves. There's also the poll on whether people believe in the Phantom Thieves or not. Some day, I want it to be packed with supportive posts! I really want to help them out so…"

"I'm sure that creating that website is already helping them out," he laughed.

"In that case, I'll keep at it!"

He smiled and clapped Mishima on the back, feeling the boy's high expectations. He has been quite helpful so far. I'm sure his efforts will be useful in the future as well.

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 Moon Persona,

I have obtained the winds of blessing that

shall lead to freedom and new power.

Moon Arcana, Yuuki Mishima: Rank One

The chains within his mind shattered before Mishima waved and began walking away. As he did, Ryuji and Ann walked over, eyeing the blue-haired boy as he exited the room. "So, how much of that was understandable to someone not in the know?"

Ann crossed her arms and sighed. "Well, in the beginning, we couldn't even hear you two because of your whispering, but when you began speaking normally it was pretty vague…"

Ryuji nodded. "Yeah, I dunno if someone could really guess that we're the, uh, them, just from that. But man, it was kind awkward tryin' to figure out when to walk over."

"So, Mishima-kun's the one who made the forum? And he knows that we're… or, at least you two, are them?"

He looked around the classroom and saw that they were the last ones there. "Yes. But we can trust him. He made sure that Kamoshida wasn't able to harm the volleyball team while we went around inside his Palace. And the forum should help find people in trouble that we can assist."

Morgana nodded. "It can… though likely not in the way you're thinking…" Morgana chuckled at the confusion that spread across their faces and waved a paw. "Don't worry, I'll show you what I mean later."

"Well, either way, we gotta find a new target, yeah?"

"And we need to stay sharp until we find one. We'll be heading into another Palace, right? So Akira will need to stay on top of equipment and medicine."

"Don't worry, that'll be easy for me. However, there's something else we need to focus on in the meantime."

"Eh?"

"Mrow?"

"What's that?"

"Exams." Ryuji gaped, Ann groaned, and Morgana sighed.

"Come on, it won't be that bad. The only one here who's going to fail is Ryuji."

"Hey, you're in the same boat as me! The only subject you're good at is English!"

"Hey, I'd rather be good at at least one than none at all!"

"In any case, we'll focus on studying for now. Not Palace Infiltrations."

"But… I'm just gonna fail anyway, can't we focus on finding a new target?"

"We can't draw attention to ourselves. Pass your exams."

"If I passed, wouldn't that draw more attention to me?"

He grabbed Ryuji by the ear and began pulling him along. "We're going to the library and you're studying."

"Wait, wait, wait, I need to buy groceries for mom! Wait!"

Ω • Ω • Ω

After Ryuji managed to weasel his way out of studying, sprinting out of the library at top speed, he walked to the train station with Ann. Ann giggled lightly seeing his frustrated expression at Ryuji skipping out on studying, causing him to huff. "What?"

"Nothing. I just sometimes can't match the two of you up."

"Ryuji and I?"

"No, no. The you in the Palace and you in the real world. You're still smart inside there, but you seem more… real. You're so reserved whenever we talk, but then act so outgoing inside there. And don't get me started on how much flirtier you are in there. You tried propositioning a succubus."

"That was to try and throw her off her game!"

Really, Master, cheating on me with other Succubi! How cruel! Succubus' teasing words, Morgana's snickers, and Ann's amused grin caused him to sputter for a moment as he responded.

"H-Hey, I mean it!" He coughed into his fist and composed himself. "It was simply a way to distract her from Ryuji sneaking up behind for his sneak attack. Nothing more!"

"Riiiight."

Aiming to distract her, he shook his head. "So, you've been visiting Shiho ever since she woke, right? I hope she's doing better."

"She has," Ann smiled, "she's slowly gaining more energy, but she's still bed-ridden obviously. Hey, um… you wouldn't happen to be able to use that weird light again, right? The one that seemed to fix her?"

He shook his head sadly. "Unfortunately, no. That was very spur of the moment, and I don't think I could replicate it. Healing just isn't in my repertoire. Besides that, it wouldn't be a good idea to simply fully heal her like that, right? Everyone would be suspicious and begin questioning her. Healing broken limbs like that overnight would be incredibly bizarre. Otherwise, I would have suggested bringing her to the Metaverse to use Dia on her as many times as it would take."

"Yeah, I guess… that makes sense."

"Lady Ann…"

"Hey… this might be rude, but… would you mind if we came along?" When Ann looked at him, he adjusted his glasses and smiled. "Obviously I don't know as well as you do, but we talked for a moment before the incident. I also want to apologize for not being able to stop Kamoshida before that… happened."

"Akira, none of what happened is your fault!"

"Maybe not, but I still feel it necessary to apologize." Ann sighed before she smiled.

"Alright. Come on, hopefully, she's awake when we get there today."

They boarded the subway and rode it, making small talk along the way on who their next target might be, and what kind of Palace they might have, before arriving at the hospital Shiho was being treated in.

Ann easily got them through reception and up to Shiho's room, having befriended several of the people working at the hospital after all of her prior visits. Outside the door, he stopped Ann by placing his hand on her shoulder and nodded at the door. "I assume you want to spend some time with her on your own, so we can wait out here until you're finished."

"Thanks." He sat down in one of the hallway's chairs, letting Morgana hop out of his bag and lay on his lap, stretching out as much as he could.

"I wish we could do more to comfort Lady Ann."

"Well, the least we can do is offer a shoulder to lean on, and an ear to listen when she requires it."

"I guess so." They spent the next half hour waiting outside Shiho's room, Akira resting his eyes and lending Morgana his phone to play games on. Though, it wasn't like he was very good at it considering his cat paws.

The door opening alerted Akira, who opened his eyes to see Ann leaving the room, an odd melancholy look on her face. "Hey, is everything alright? I expected you would take longer."

"Uh, no… Um, feel free to go in, talk with her. I'll wait out here." He nodded and got up, while Morgana jumped to the floor and circled Ann's leg.

"I'll keep Lady Ann company. She seems upset." He nodded, hearing Morgana's worry for the girl, and opened the door. He found Shiho laying on her bed, the covers pulled up over her stomach, and dark circles under her eyes. She may have seemed tired and weary, but now there was now a light in her eyes that reassured him. She no longer looked like she was on the edge of despair.

"Oh, Ann said someone wanted to see me, I didn't think it would be you."

He smiled and sat down in the chair next to her bed, leaning forward. "Hey, Suzui-san. How have you been holding up?"

"I've been better," Shiho joked weakly, a small smile spreading across her face to match his. "Ann seems much brighter now, she was laughing and smiling in her last visits when she talked about spending time with you and Sakamoto-san."

"Yeah. She doesn't have anyone else at Shujin, so we've done our best to make sure that she's okay. You don't need to worry about her as long as we're around."

"That's reassuring. Plus, now I have something to tease her about, considering she's got two guys watching her all day."

He laughed, "Hey now, don't make us sound like stalkers. We watch respectfully. Anyway, I'm sure you've heard what happened to that vile piece of shit at Shujin?"

"Yes… Ann told me what happened, how he…" She shivered at the thought of him but continued. "How the 'Phantom Thieves' posted several cards, then days later he suddenly admitted to everything he did." Peering at him closely, she twitched. "Was that…?"

He shrugged. "I won't say whether it was or wasn't. However, if it was… I'm sorry something didn't happen to him sooner."

"No, there's no need to apologize for that. I'm sure there are plenty of reasons why you weren't able to do anything— Er, I mean, I'm sure there's a reason that the Phantom Thieves weren't able to do anything before that." He chuckled at her slip-up, standing up.

"Well, that's a load off my shoulders. Sorry for taking up time that I'm sure you'd rather be spending with Ann."

"No, it's fine, really! Thanks for looking after her, you and Sakamoto-san."

He smiled and placed his hand on Suzui's shoulder, "No problem at all. Would you like me to send Ann back in?"

"Well…" Suzui seemed slightly embarrassed, and she looked away. "We talked, and I don't know if she's up to continuing today. Do you think you could speak with her? I think she needs to talk with someone other than me right now, to sort through her thoughts."

"Yeah, of course. And there'll be no need to worry about some hanger-on waiting outside the room next time Ann visits," he grinned.

"Thank you, Starr-san." He nodded and walked out of the room, to find Ann sitting in the same chair he had been, petting Morgana, who'd fallen asleep in bliss.

"Oh, that was quick."

"Yeah." He looked at her, remembering that melancholy look she'd worn upon exiting the room and matching it with Suzui's request. "Want to grab something to eat?"

"Yeah, that'd be nice. There's a good diner on Central Street, we can stop there if they've finished renovations."

Ω • Ω • Ω

The place Ann led them to was small but nice, it had a homely atmosphere, and the server smiled as she led them to a booth. Several families ate around them, and a couple of booths had other students sitting down and studying for upcoming tests. Hey, this might be a good place to study, on quieter days, anyway…

He took one of the menus handed to them and began looking through it as he ordered a coffee, eyeing Ann for a moment as she looked lost in thought. "You know if there's anything you need to get off your chest…"

She looked surprised, before smiling and shaking her head. "Nothing gets past you, huh?"

"Well, you aren't exactly hiding it well. Plus, Suzui-san asked me to talk with you."

Her expression fell, "Oh. Well…" She sighed and crossed her arms. "She said… she was sorry. Sorry for not telling me about Kamoshida… about all the things he was doing to her. But it was my fault too! I didn't realize how much trouble she was in! I wasn't there for her… So I apologized too."

He shook his head. "Suzui-san's strong. I didn't expect that someone could recover from such a traumatic experience so quickly. Er, not physically. Mentally. There was a light in her eyes that I never saw when I first met her."

Ann brightened at his word, giggling. "Yeah! Shiho really is a great girl. I'm glad I was able to tell her everything I couldn't bring myself to say to her before. Also, you remember how Kamoshida said he would take her off the team if I didn't sleep with him?"

"Hm." he bit his tongue in anger at the thought, letting Ann continue.

"I only agreed to it and led him on so long so that I wouldn't ruin Shiho's dreams… But now that I think about it, he wouldn't have ever dared to take her off the team and risk losing a game. I should have dared him to take her from that starting spot… But maybe in the end… I didn't believe in her ability?"

"Ann, you can't possibly blame yourself for this. It's all because of that piece of walking trash. If you'd refused, he might have done what he did to Suzui sooner."

"Really? I just can't help but think that all of this happened because I was too weak. It's why I believed Kamoshida's authority outweighed Shiho's ability to earn her starting spot."

"Anybody would be weak in that situation, unsure of what to do. Even after the… jump, most would have succumbed to grief, but instead, you helped us take Kamoshida down and put the bastard in his place."

"I guess so. Hey, remember the last time I talked to you like this? When I had gotten that phone call from Kamoshida, and cried? I felt so alone and scared… But because you were there for me, I decided not to go to him. I was a little surprised by how pushy you had been, but now I see that you just wanted to help. Thanks."

"I couldn't just ignore a pretty crying girl," he joked, "after all, I carry the great gentleman thief Arsène Lupin as my other self, and that would just be disrespectful to his legacy!"

Hm, as true a statement as they come!

Ann laughed, leaning back in her seat. "You're so kind, Akira. Back then, people called me all sorts of names. 'Prissy bitch,' 'Kamoshida's girl'... I got tired of that pretty quickly. But to tell you the truth, someday I want to be able to take those labels like that in stride. Personas are the strength of the heart, right?"

"I believe so, yes."

"Then if my heart gets stronger, shouldn't my Persona get stronger too?" He nodded, and she grinned. "So I want to strengthen my heart. And then I want to use that strength to help the people around me. I hope that we can help people in trouble, just like we did when we changed Kamoshida's heart. But I don't even know what strong is… Either way, I'll definitely find the answer!"

"We can find it together," he assured her.

"Really?! Alright! I feel like I'm a little stronger already!" She swung her legs and giggled, shrugging. "But I guess that doesn't really count, huh? Alright, I'll be relying on you so let's train together and make our hearts super strong!" He smiled at her heightened resolve, all while the sound of chains crashed in his head.

RANK UP!

Lovers Arcana, Ann Takamaki: Rank Two

"Although… a stronger heart, huh? Alright, how about I don't get any more refills on fountain drinks from now on? They're free, so not getting any would mean you have a strong heart!" He sighed, a grin spreading across his face at her conclusion. "...Is that not right?"

"We'll work on it."

Ω • Ω • Ω

"Tokyo isn't all that different at night, huh?" He looked around Shibuya Crossing, still surprised at the sheer amount of people outside so late at night. After they'd returned to Leblanc that day, Sakura had surprised him with a key to the store, for whenever he got back after Sakura had already locked up and left, and told him that he would trust Akira out in Tokyo at night.

He, of course, immediately took the opportunity to see what a big city was like after the sun had set. The lights made it almost as bright as day, and he watched the crowds walking past as he sat on a bench near the Buchiko statue. Morgana, sitting in his bag, wasn't even paying attention, instead sulking that he had missed an opportunity to have a meal with 'Lady Ann.'

"If you wanted to eat with us, you shouldn't have fallen asleep in her lap."

"But-but-I couldn't help it!" He waggled his tail and groaned, burying his head deeper into Akira's bag, causing the boy to roll his eyes.

"Well, I suppose I can't blame you. Lap pillows are indeed one of the most blessed places to rest your head," he answered sagely. "In any case, do stop complaining." Morgana gave one last sigh, laying back down.

"...ere have been far too many incidents to ignore! Can anyone deny this?!" On a podium near the stairs leading down into Shibuya Station, a rotund man wearing a clean black suit stood on a box, addressing the crowd around him. Though, crowd was likely pushing it. Only a few people out of the dozens walking past even slowed down to listen for more than a few seconds.

"Politician maybe? Or perhaps just a public speaker," he mused to himself, leaning back on the bench as he listened.

"The runaway-train incident, mysterious psychotic breakdowns, a school with a corrupt teacher… We have yet to discover the truth of it all! The apathy that permeates society is a direct result of negligence by our government and the media." He hummed as he listened, nodding slowly. The man's words had a sort of power behind them… He wasn't shouting, it was more that they had weight.

"He's a pretty good speaker," Morgana noted, who had also started listening. He got up and walked closer, listening to the rest of the speech, the man continuing for a while. Morgana was right, the man's speech skills were much better than his own, something he could ascertain in the many minutes he spent listening. Never once did he sound like he wasn't absolutely confident in his speech.

Thou may be a better liar, but this man has more heart in his speeches. His other Personas agreed, with Arsène's judgment, giving him an idea. When it seemed like he was finally finished, taking a short break and grabbing a bottle of water, he noticed him walking up.

"You look like you were listening in rather closely," the speech-giver smiled, "are you interested in politics?"

Slightly surprised that the man had noticed him in the crowd, he nodded. "I find it interesting," he confirmed, pocketing his hands.

"Ah! I'm delighted I was able to captivate the interest of someone your age! I want to change this country and to do so, I need the power of youth such as yourself." The man thought for a moment, looking him up and down. "In fact, I could use some help, but… Hm, yes, due to certain regulations, I can't offer a job to a student."

"Well, you already know that I'm interested in politics. Simply being allowed to listen in on your speeches would be enough for me," he smiled. "In fact, it might be a good way to learn how to give speeches of my own."

"Really? Are you planning to be a politician?"

"Perhaps. I haven't decided one-hundred percent, but it's something I've certainly considered."

"In that case, I'd love to help you! Either way, we can discuss that after the speech. Here, let's share contact information, I'll let you know whenever I need your assistance."

"Here. I'm Akira Starr by the way."

"And I am Toranosuke Yoshida. I used to be a member of the Diet, but not anymore." Yoshida sighed and shook his head, "In the past twenty years, I've lost seven straight elections… Ah, this isn't good, I'm focusing on the negative right before my speech! Well, are you able to help me currently?"

"Of course." He grabbed a sign and stood where Yoshida told him to, all while thinking that it had been easier than he thought to get the man to let him help. Shaking his head, he focused on listening to Yoshida speak, frowning slightly at the crowd. Even if he wasn't the center of attention, it was slightly awkward having people's attention be near him after trying to keep a low profile at Shujin and within the Palace.

Yoshida's speech continued, drawing in some people, while others ignored him. Some of those listening scoffed and moved on after several points were spoken, and others hummed in acceptance, before moving on themselves.

"The lines of what is considered right and wrong in society today have been blurred. With common sense no longer our guide, we make decisions based on our selfish wants and desires. This has resulted in a deluge of self-centered people who delight in taking advantage of the weak. However! Even in the modern age, we must act in the best interests of all! A world where it is acceptable to trample on the rights of others for your own benefit… A world where the young exist only to be exploited… Is a world that must be changed!"

One elderly woman listening scoffed and muttered to herself. "Easy for him to say… old-timers have our hands full taking care of ourselves…"

A younger man wearing a suit frowned, "He has some good points, but he's a no-name… he probably won't get too far. We'll just keep getting exploited."

Some middle-aged man huffed, crossing his arms. "What's this wannabe politician blathering on about now? He isn't even affiliated with a party." He suddenly walked forward, interrupting the speech. "How about you just leave the matters of state in the capable hands of the Liberal Co-Prosperity Party?!"

Yoshida simply shook his head, speaking loud and clear, not hesitating at all despite the random interruption. "You mustn't base your decision on whom to support merely according to the party that they belong to—"

"Ah, just shut up already! You're a washed-up politician!"

"If I am chosen to represent the will of the people, then I am fully prepared to—"

"'In the interests of all'?! Ha! Save the blathering for when you get elected! IF you get elected!"

With that, the random stormed off, and Yoshida continued his speech unperturbed. Impressive that he was able to keep his cool.

Aye. He's a politician, tis his specialty.

Ignoring the byplay, he smiled at Yoshida's ability to worry about others, before even concentrating on getting elected. Yes, he certainly could learn quite a bit from the man.

Quite sometime later Yoshida was still speaking. "...and while our society appears to be prosperous, many of our young people are quietly suffering! They lack jobs, security, savings… The next generation will lead us into the future, and yet they have no plan for how to arrive there."

However, they were once more interrupted, this time by people not even noticing the speech. "Watch where you're going, you little shit!"

"You bumped into me, you old goat!"

Two men, one a teenager and the other an adult were arguing, tensions flaring. Yoshida cut himself off, looking towards the fight. "This isn't good…"

"We should mediate," he suggested, lowering his sign.

"I agree. Good citizens, please stop fighting!" The two men looked over at the interruption, surprised. "What is the point in bickering over such a pointless matter?"

The middle-aged man scoffed, "This is none of your business!"

"Yeah, seriously! Shut up!"

"Oh, that they agree on?" he scoffed to himself.

The men both walked away, and Yoshida smiled. "I apologize for the interruption. Now, I'll get on with my speech. Together, we can create a bright future for the next generation."

Some flashy man crossed his arms, sneering in their direction. "Ugh, he acts so righteous. That's damn annoying, you know! Enough of your arrogance, 'No-Good Tora!'" Unexpectedly, Yoshida was thrown off his rhythm from the insult, and his eyebrows rose when Yoshida sputtered in uncertainty. "As if anyone would vote for YOU! Are you planning to embezzle funds again? Or maybe criticize one of your constituents again? You criminal!"

"N-No, that was… all in the past!" It took several minutes for Yoshida to regain his momentum, but by then, the few people who had been listening had lost interest and moved on. By the time they had finished, Yoshida sighed as they grabbed the signs and walked around to the side of the station, rubbing his forehead. "I've gone and done it again…"

"Yoshida-san?" He frowned, thinking back over what that man had yelled at them. "So, you're a… criminal, then?"

"There are many who would agree with that statement. Whenever someone calls me 'No-Good Tora' I panic. I went through quite an ordeal twenty years ago…"

"If you need someone to listen…"

Yoshida smiled, "That's kind of you, but I would have wanted you to know all the facts anyway, before continuing to work for me… if you still want to, after this. I used to be a member of the National Diet. I was elected during the rise of the 'Kuramoto Children.' We were backed by powerful Diet members. I was very inexperienced back then… both as a politician, and as a human being. That inexperience led me to be involved in a series of major political scandals."

He stayed silent, Yoshida's eyes gaining a far-off look. "People refer to my blunders as 'No-Good Tora's three strikes.' The first was being caught missing a legislative meeting to take a personal vacation. Then, I was accused of embezzling a large sum of money from the party… the second strike. Finally, I called a voter an idiot at an open forum, resulting in a scandal, and strike three. I was out and branded a washed-up politician. You said you wanted to become a member of the diet. But do you see the man before you? Do you really want to receive my guidance?"

"Hm…" Honestly, while the first was the worst of the offenses, it didn't seem like the others held weight. The second strike only happened because he was accused, but was it proven? And calling a voter an idiot… ah, well that one would certainly affect public opinion. However, he had the conviction to change the world. And that was a conviction he wanted to learn. "Your conviction is something I admire. I'd be honored to learn from you."

"I'm happy to hear that, but… even with that, everyone says I have no chance of becoming elected. Are you sure you wouldn't want to learn from another politician?"

"I did just say I liked that conviction, Yoshida-san. Don't suddenly start doubting yourself."

"Hahaha! You're doing a fine job of cheering me up. But you may be right. The most important part about giving a good speech is believing in yourself. Perhaps one day… I will believe in myself... again. But you sure got me there! You're a strange young man, Starr-kun."

"So, will you allow me to learn from you?"

"Very well. If learning how to give a great speech is what you seek, then I'd be happy to instruct you. And in exchange, all I ask is that you continue assisting me." He extended his hand and Yoshida took it, shaking firmly.

The man's skill in speaking will surely aid thee in elevating thy own skills. And thusly lead to even more allies.

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 Sun Persona,

I have obtained the winds of blessing that

shall lead to freedom and new power.

Sun Arcana, Man of the People: Rank One

When the chains finished snapping, Yoshida laughed. "Let's pursue your dream of becoming a member of the Diet! Oh my, but it's become rather late… let's call it quits for today. Well then, I shall see you again soon!"

Ω • Ω • Ω

5/7, Saturday

"Man, none of these posts are any good! Everyone's just bitchin' about their parents or boyfriends… Not even a hint of a hint 'bout any new Palace!"

"Well, we can't get everything online," Ann sighed. "Finding a post with a name and location would be asking a lot."

"Well, guess we've gotta find one ourselves then."

"Are you seriously suggesting that we look for a target that even the police have overlooked?"

"Morgana's right," he sighed. "We're specifically looking for targets that no one can do anything about, but how exactly are we supposed to find them if no one knows about their crimes?"

Ryuji scratched the back of his head in frustration, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah, guess you're right… we should prolly hold off 'till after exams anyway, huh?"

"Does that mean you're actually going to study?" he questioned with a smirk.

"Ugh…" The door to the roof opened, and immediately everyone was on guard. Morgana leaped up onto the air conditioning unit to hide out of sight, Ryuji sat up, and he stood straight.

The student-council president Makoto Niijima walked out onto the roof, and the thieves eyed her suspiciously as she stopped in front of a table. "This place is off-limits you know."

Ryuji and he shared a look before the faux-blond sighed. "Alright, we'll get outta here when we're done chattin'. But, ah, is there somethin' that Miss Council Prez wants with us, besides tellin' us to beat it?"

She didn't answer directly, instead glancing at them with a contemplative look. "The troublemaker, the center of gossip, and the infamous transfer student. An interesting combination."

Ann twitched in anger, glaring at Makoto. "What a great way to start a conversation…"

"I'd certainly agree that we make an interesting combination, however, we only do so considering our statuses as outcasts. Who else are the loners supposed to spend time with, if not the other loners?"

Makoto held a hand to her chin, staring. "Hm. By the way… It seems like you got to know Kamoshida-sensei pretty well."

He raised an eyebrow in response. "Of course. He was a teacher, here, correct? I would have interacted with him several times. Or are perhaps inferring that I have some deeper connection with him?" Ryuji and Ann stayed silent, as the intellectuals had a staredown, proverbial sparks flying.

"I heard that Kamoshida-sensei used a volleyball team member to spread details of your past record. Don't you hate him? Kamoshida-sensei, I mean."

"While I certainly find that despicable, and I did dislike him because of it, what would that prove? After all, it's not as though I would be able to get revenge correct? He had more muscle mass than I, and there's also his height too. He could easily defeat me in a fight. Hm, but what about some other way? Say, blackmail? How would I go about that? If there had only been rumors of his… 'activities…' and no proof so far, how coincidental would it be that I would be the first to procure proof, then blackmail him with it?"

"Now when, did I ever say that I was accusing you of something like that?"

He simply smiled. "My apologies, I tend to ramble when my mind starts going. But you shouldn't act so coy, Niijima-senpai, we both know why you're talking to me about this. Now, from what I've heard, these Phantom Thieves managed to post their calling cards before the school had even opened, meaning someone would need to know how to use a lockpick and open the doors, or windows, into the building without setting off an alarm. After posting the cards, they'd escape and relock their entrance point. This leads me to believe the culprit is an established thief and not some student charged with assault, a delinquent, nor a 'subject of rumors' as it were. Or are you saying that any of us could use a lockpick?"

Makoto's smile twitched slightly, and she shook her head. "I don't mean to offend. It's simply that many students are on edge currently by what happened with Kamoshida-sensei."

"Of course, of course, I won't fault you for trying to assuage the student's concerns. However, in the future, do try and put the facts together so you know who you can rule out, before beginning to accuse students of wrongdoing?"

Ryuji, apparently having had enough of trying to make sense of their conversation, butt in. "Uh, we done here? We can't leave if you keep talkin' to us."

Makoto glared at Ryuji, "at least try to understand my position! Being forced to deal with this horseplay…"

Ann shot up, glaring at Makoto. "Horseplay?!" She would dare call what had happened something so disrespectful?

"Ah yes, by the way… it's been decided that this place will be closed off to everyone except those with official business up here due to the incident. I heard that some people were coming up here without permission, after all. I'm sorry to have interrupted you." She bowed and left, closing the door behind her, causing Ann to scoff.

"What was that about?"

"She's on to us, of course." He adjusted his glasses, dropping the teasing smile he'd worn.

Morgana jumped back down, nodding. "Akira's right. That girl seems rather sharp. We need to be cautious of her."

"She really pisses me off! Ugh, talk about a pain in the ass! And I had been so fired up about helpin' people beforehand too…"

Morgana smiled, flicking his tail mischievously. "Well, I do have somewhere interesting I want to show you all before we leave for the day. It's someplace where you guys can help me with my own mission."

"Eh? Mission?"

"Remember, helping Morgana retake his human form," he answered for the not-cat."

"Oh yeah."

"So where are we going, Morgana?"

He smirked at the three humans, pointing a paw in a certain direction. "Shibuya Station. I'm going to show you all a little place called… Mementos."

Alright, another chapter down. Two new Confidants and Makoto's finally getting involved. And of course, the next chapter will involve Mementos! Not much else to say for today's chapter, so leave a review on everything you liked in the chapter or just a 'nice.' Both are always great to read. See y'all next time!