Another day, another Fanfiction email issue. I'm uploading this chapter now since It's finished and may as well, but when the email issue is fixed, eventually, I'll be deleting and reposting it so that followers who rely on email alerts and don't use the 'followed stories' tab, or only have me as a followed author and haven't followed the story, will be able to read it. The reupload will only have this paragraph changed explaining that it's a reupload.
Really hoping this email issue isn't so long that it affects chapter 58 either, but with my slow ass uploading schedule that's probably impossible… right?
Chapter 57: The Star
Ω • Ω • Ω
•Akira•
After realizing they had managed to survive the collapse of the Palace, Akira slowly got up, seeing his fellow thieves all around him. The various civilians around them were eyeing them with confusion, walking around the group of weird teenagers.
Everyone else stood as well, Ann especially groaning in pain. "Oooww…"
"Agh, I think I cracked my ass…"
Yusuke gasped at Ryuji's muttering, his head snapping to Ann. "Ann, are you alright?! Is yours cracked as well?"
"O-Of course not!"
"Isn't it supposed to be though?" Makoto asked him.
"No, that's not what I meant!"
"There's a very obvious joke that I'm not going to make," he replied, holding back a smirk. Ann just glared at him instead, before crossing her arms.
"More importantly, it's dangerous for us to just exit the Metaverse randomly like that!" She winced, noticing the stares, blushing in embarrassment. "Everyone's looking at us!"
"There's not much else we could have done," he shrugged. "Did any of you want to find out where that deep, dark abyss that appears under collapsing Palaces leads?"
"I would rather pass on that," Fox muttered.
"Well, thank goodness nobody was hurt."
Ryuji winced at Makoto's words, looking out into the street. "Uh, I wouldn't say nobody…" Right in the middle of the crosswalk lay Morgana, legs twitching. "Hey, that briefcase…" And lying right on top of the dead cat was a golden briefcase. Thank god for polite Japanese society, most people were just eyeing it in confusion rather than trying to take the expensive briefcase.
Or maybe they were just concerned about the fallen feline beneath it.
May his soul rest in peace, Arsène spoke somberly.
"It appears to have been the cause of Morgana's demise," Yusuke noticed.
Ryuji slapped his shoulder. "That's not what I meant! Isn't that Kaneshiro's…?"
"You mean his Treasure?!"
"Hey!" Makoto shoved them both back, pointing at the crosswalk lights. "They're red!" Everyone scrambled to grab Morgana and the Treasure before one was flattened into a pancake, and the other was destroyed. Once they were back on the sidewalk, Ryuji took the case, while he lay Morgana out on the ground.
Not to be cruel, but… He really didn't want to clean not-cat vomit out of his bag again.
"Where should we open it?" Makoto asked as she eyed the case.
"How about at karaoke?"
"We'd have to worry about security cameras there," she shot down Ann's idea.
"Oh! I got the perfect place!"
Both blondes were apparently in sync, as Ann beamed. "That's right!"
He looked between the two with a raised eyebrow, while Yusuke smiled serenly. "I was just in the mood for some coffee too."
"Oh my god… Are you all just going to take every opportunity you can to raid my place of residence?"
"Not our fault the place you live is sweet as hell, bro!"
"Fine. Then next time we're going back to your place and hearing more embarrassing stories from Mama Sakamoto, little Ruru."
"Hell no!"
"We should also fix Morgana up," Ann giggled as she listened to their argument, picking the not-cat up gently from under his front legs.
"So… Warm…"
"Don't step into the light, Morgana."
Ω • Ω • Ω
He set the first aid kit on the table, Ann taking supplies from it while Yusuke fiddled with the golden suitcase. Ryuji was lounging back on his workbench's chair, using a second chair as a leg rest.
"This place is oddly calming," he heard Makoto speak from behind him, as she examined his room.
"It's a dusty old attic in a coffee shop hidden away within Yongen-Jaya, why do you all like this place so much?" He asked with a chuckle.
"You're just used to it because you live here, it's a really nice place, you know!" Ann stuck her tongue out at him as she placed a bandaid on Morgana's paw.
"So did you learn anything new?" Their newest member asked as she glanced at Yusuke.
"It's sealed by a rotary lock," the artist answered, "we'll need the combination to open it."
He began to reply, but then Ann took some bacitracin from the kit and used it on one of Morgana's cuts, causing him to yowl loudly in pain. "A rotary lock, hm?" Makoto asked, not even paying attention to the commotion. She stepped up next to them and took the case, turning it around. She bent over and spun the dials, setting the five-digit combination to a seemingly random number.
"What the hell?" His eyes widened and he leaned forward as the case clicked open. "How did you…?"
"I knew it."
"That doesn't answer my question, woman!"
"I would like to know as well, how did you get that?" Yusuke questioned.
"I simply memorized the combination. I did see him open it back when we were in his hideout," she explained with a proud smile.
"W-Well that's… Scary. But amazin' too!"
Morgana wobbled over, still dazed, but shook himself out and eagerly patted the case with his paws. "Hey, hurry up and open it."
Everyone glanced at each other, anticipation building before Makoto slowly opened the briefcase. Ryuji slid the chair he was using as a leg rest over and sat in it, giddy. Yusuke sat up straight and eyed it with eagerness blazing in his eyes. Ann leaned over the table, bouncing excitedly. Akira forced his eyes to stay on the golden sheen and not stare down her shirt.
It took a lot of effort.
Stacks upon stacks of green bills sat inside, and everyone's eyes widened and jaws dropped. Even as rich as he was, there was something about just seeing a huge number of green… bills… Wait a minute.
"H-How much is this…?"
"I believe one stack is one million yen," Yusuke answered Ryuji in a hushed murmur.
"One, two, three, four… Uh…" Ann counted them up, her cyan eyes practically popping out of her head. "There's thirty of them in here?!"
"Thirty million yen… Even after splitting it, we still each get five million!"
"Guys…" They were all so enamored by the money that they weren't looking too closely, especially after Makoto listed out just how much each of them would have.
"Holy shit… It's gonna be deluxe pork soup combo for me from here on out!"
"You've got to think bigger than that, Numbskull…"
"Ruru, I don't want to bring your mood down, but…"
"Ah, you noticed it as well. You have an artist's eyes, Akira." Yusuke pulled a wad of bills out and showed it to them. "I didn't wish to bring the mood down either, however… Does this money look real to you?"
"What?!" Ann leaned even further forward, Ryuji scrambling to see as well. On the front of every single bill was a picture of Shadow Kaneshiro, stupid mustache and all, and written on them were… "Children's bank?!"
"F-For real?!"
Makoto groaned, holding a hand to her head. "I suppose this represents… How everything he did was an act to make himself seem tough?"
Ryuji could no longer take it, falling limp in the chair as he cried his heart out. "Nooooooooooo!"
Everyone despaired over the lost money before Ann let out a laugh. "Well hey, at least we totes busted this case, right?"
He wanted to toss his pillow at her for the awful pun. Makoto, meanwhile, just frowned. "What does that mean? Is busting a case good or bad?"
"Uh… Both!"
Oh my god…
He snickered at Arsène's groan, which was quickly followed by Makoto letting out a small, undignified snort, which evolved into loud laughter. "To think the reward for the Phantom Thieves is feeling they 'totes busted' the case… Ahhh… How funny!"
Her sheer happiness lifted the dull mood and got everyone laughing alongside her. When they managed to calm down, Yusuke inspected the case further. "Hold on a second. Even though the contents were nothing more than trash, the case itself is quite nice."
"All right then, let's sell it! Glad we got that sorted!"
"Ruru… I think selling a solid gold briefcase will be harder than you expect," he sighed. "Or… Is this even real gold? How would we even be able to tell?"
"It didn't feel heavy enough to be real gold," Makoto pointed out.
"By the way, Morgana, have any of your memories returned?"
The not-cat sighed at the question. "No, not at all…"
"C'mon, did that hit to your head make you forget even more, Monamona?"
"It's easy for you to talk. You're not the one who lost your memories."
"You have amnesia?" Everyone looked at Makoto, realizing that she didn't know about Morgana's circumstances.
"Something like that. He does remember searching for Treasures though."
"Hm. I hope your memories return soon, then. So… What happens next?"
Morgana leaped onto the opportunity to change the subject. "First, we wait for Kaneshiro to have his change of heart."
"It's gonna be big this time," Ryuji spoke giddily. "People're gonna make a huge deal of it, for sure."
Ann looked troubled, sitting on the couch and crossing her legs. "Hey… You know what Kaneshiro said at the end there? About that 'criminal' using the Metaverse…"
Fox frowned. "Yes, I was bothered by that as well." Akira eyed them both and hummed. Going by the description given by Madarame, all they had was that they had a 'black mask'. And that… Didn't give them much.
They couldn't have gotten a better description than that? Just how fancy was the black mask they were wearing if that's what Madarame had focused on? They had essentially zero clues at this point. They didn't know if the villain was a man or a women, their age range, hair color, skin color… they were searching for a piece of hay in a goddamn haystack.
"Well, there's no point mullin' it over now. Let's wait and see how Kaneshiro's change of heart goes first. We should prolly just lay low for a while."
Makoto smiled cheekily. "I never thought I'd hear those words coming from you."
"H-Hey!" Everyone laughed as Ryuji squawked in offense, and they spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out in his room enjoying the newfound feeling of freedom.
Ω • Ω • Ω
"That Kaneshiro truly was an evil stain on society…" He nodded at Morgana's words as he slipped his pajama shirt over his head, getting ready for bed. "Same with Kamoshida, and Madarame too. They hurt and exploited others just to satisfy their own desires…"
"They were the scum of the earth. We've done a damn good job making sure they'll all pay for their crimes."
"Still, there were people around them who noticed their terrible deeds, weren't there? I wonder why they turned a blind eye… Why doesn't anyone help?"
"Some of them might have been in on it. Some of them might have wanted to, but in the end, were too scared."
Morgana looked saddened, his ears drooped. "So it's because they didn't have the courage… Humans are so weak… Humans…" Morgana lay flat, sighing. "Hey, do you really think I'll be able to become a human? When I touched the Treasure… Some memories came back. I tried to force myself to forget, but… I really may not be human."
"Of course you're human." He placed a hand on Morgana's head, ruffling his fur, grinning to put him at ease. "Hell, even if we go by the one percent chance that you aren't… I'm sure we'll figure something out. We're dealing with a world formed by pure desires, and I've got psychic powers. Maybe I'll whip up a human body for you myself. Just have some confidence."
"Me? Have confidence? Who do you think you're talking to, Akira?" Morgana mimicked his smile, placing a paw on his chest and puffing it out. "Now that I think about it, I've got to be human! I am the core of the Phantom Thieves, after all!"
"Exactly." He nodded, smiling as he helped his partner regain his confidence, all while chains shattered within his mind.
RANK UP!
Magician Arcana, Morgana: Rank 5
"Well, as the core of our team, I suppose I should be teaching you more tricks of the trade… But we'll do that another time. Come on, it's not good for you to stay up so late. Let's go to sleep.
"Yes, yes, you want me well rested." He chuckled and lay his head down on his pillow, helping Morgana up onto his chest where the not-cat's content purring lulled him into a deep sleep…
…If he hadn't been drawn somewhere else instead. The aria of the Velvet Room flowed through his mind and the blue walls surrounded him, Caroline slamming the bars of his cell with her baton. "Our master wishes to speak with you! Heed his words!"
He rolled his eyes as he dragged his ball and shackle to the cell door, Caroline and Justine spinning on their heels to face Igor. The perpetually grinning man's eyes seemed to light up at the sight of him, drumming his fingers together. "You've defeated the repulsive fiend of Gluttony this time… Well done. I am glad to see you have devoted yourself to your rehabilitation."
"Even if I wasn't being… 'rehabilitated', I'd still be going after those bastards," he spoke as Igor chuckled. "Their crimes are too heinous for me to ignore."
Justine's expression didn't change from its usual blankness. "Be thankful, Inmate. You are not worthy of such kind words. I suggest you treasure them."
"Are you two stuck on repeat? I swear, I hear you say that every time I come here, and Igor praises me." He had to lean back and let go of his cell bars when Caroline slammed her electric baton into them.
"Now then. Do you recall the whispers about that strange man?"
"The other Metaverse user, yes."
"Hmph! Even a chicken could remember something that important! Don't sound so cocky about it!" He flicked Caroline's cap off her head. "HEY!"
Igor, Justine, and he ignored Caroline's yelling, the calmer of the twins nodding. "This is about the cases of those people who shut down, is it not?"
"Indeed… I speak of another with powers similar to yours. If you are to complete your rehabilitation, you may encounter him eventually. Yet another thing for me to look forward to," Igor chuckled. He narrowed his eyes at Igor. He always figured that Igor knew more than he was letting on, but apparently, the master of the Velvet Room knew exactly who the 'Black Mask' was. Of course, even if he asked, he knew Igor wouldn't tell him… But at the very least, this narrowed down the suspects from all the people in Tokyo to fifty percent of them. How fantastic.
Then again… He already had one idea in mind…
"I'll be sure to put on a good show."
Igor interlocked his fingers, laying his chin on them. "It would be greatly troubling if you were to not strengthen your abilities. I shall grant you an ability befitting of your newfound growth. Consider it a gift." He heard chains shatter and felt newfound strength flow into him.
RANK UP!
Fool Arcana, Prison Master: Rank 6
"It's time, Inmate!"
"Return to your world."
"Yes, yes." He turned and lay down on his bunk, and uncomfortable as it was he felt himself drift into the void of true sleep. But as he slowly sank into the depths, something reached out and caressed his mind, the same voice he heard back in May, e suddenly remembered, the instance seemingly having been wiped from his memory. The woman that had seemed to be pleading for help… But even though she was just a bit clearer, he couldn't catch it all.
"...ear m…th…words…I am…rela…mber…machin…O Cho…Trickster…sa…"
He strained to hear more but could discern nothing else.
And the next morning, awoke with only the vague sensation of having forgotten something.
Ω • Ω • Ω
7/8, Friday
DEADLINE: July 9th
DAYS UNTIL PICS LEAKED: 1
Await the change of heart.
It had been two days since the heist, and he spent the time winding down. He kept in mind the various Mementos requests that were piling up, such as the one for Yuya Uchimura, to save the one girl and prove that fate could be changed to Chihaya, but none of them were so extremely urgent that they had to be done within a few days.
According to Makoto, Kaneshiro had been messaging her to forget about the payment… He wasn't sure if this was faster or slower than when it happened to their previous targets. The former volleyball coach had put himself under suspension a day later, and the artist had, according to Yusuke, become withdrawn after a day. But none had so quickly apologized to their victims…
He supposed it didn't matter. That alone was proof that the change of heart had gone through, now all they needed to do was wait for Kaneshiro to give himself up to the police. Hopefully, his victims would be getting some form of compensation, but with how many there were and how much Kaneshiro had fleeced, it was probable that some might slip through the cracks
Chat Room: The Phantom Thieves
Ryuji— Deadlines tmrw
Ryuji— We gon be OK?
Yusuke— The Pictures are gone. He has no avenue to threaten us anymore.
Yusuke— That is, if we're able to trust what Kaneshiro said.
Ann— Don't say such scary stuff!
Makoto— We can't relax just yet. He may still end up released from police custody.
Ryuji— For real?!
Makoto— Yes, unless they have decisive evidence such as a confession.
You— It'll be fine. Just as with the others, I'm sure Kaneshiro will publicly confess, or at least confess to the police.,
Makoto— That's true. Also, there does seem to be some movement by the police. Sis actually sent me a message saying she won't be home tonight. There's a chance that the police have found their breakthrough.
Ryuji— Oooo does tht mean it happened?!
Ann— The timing is perfect. I guess let's just hope for the best.
Ryuji— Gon sty up all nite n watc the news 2 see
You— School is still a thing, and we have it tomorrow. Go to bed at a reasonable time.
He put his phone away before Ryuji could complain about having to go to school again, looking around to make sure he was in the right place. Several days prior Ryuji had texted the group chat asking about Yusuke's school, Kosei, which led to a conversation about some beauty from the high school that played shogi at the church in the historical district, Kanda.
Ryuji suggested that using Shogi to upgrade their battle strategies was a good idea. He smirked at the memory, everyone quite clearly seeing through to Ryuji's real reasoning, but… it was a pretty good idea, all things told. Applying things like chess tactics to real-life battles wasn't as one-to-one as fiction made it seem, of course. For example, taking down the 'king' didn't always guarantee a win when it came to a real war.
However, playing strategic games like chess and shogi might help him think up new battle tactics. Just off the top of his head, being able to switch out who was in a battle like a rook and a king castling could be helpful. And considering he knew nothing about shogi, it very well could lead to a brainstorm.
"You know, we probably could have just learned shogi through some online lessons or something," Morgana commented. "You don't need to go meet some pro in person."
"In-person lessons will always be more effective. Besides, this will be directly from an expert. If she really is one." He approached the church and opened the doors, walking inside. It was a small, modest place, with a small number of pews, a confessional booth near the altar with a piano opposite it, and a few paintings. But it was cozier than any huge cathedral, as beautiful as those could be.
He walked down the aisle, looking around. There were some people inside, quietly praying, and he made sure not to bother them. He wasn't a religious person, not before being trapped in Japan for a year, and certainly not now when he at any time was carrying around at least one demon in his head, but he respected their belief and didn't wish to disturb them.
Your kindness is far above what other thieves would show, human. May the Lord show mercy for your crimes of Greed when you one day ascend to His kingdom.
His lips twitched into a half-smile at Principality's words, unsure how to feel about the angel praying for him while he stood in a church. It was a Persona, so in the end, it technically wasn't a real angel… Did that make this situation blasphemous? Or was walking into a church with several demons in his head already make that so?
Don't worry 'bout it, Starr-sama, Oni chuckled with his gritty voice.
Yeah, your sssoul wasss damned when you made your pact with the Fallen Angel, Tangoo hissed, leering at Arsène.
Hmhmhm. I suppose that's true. I did grant thee power as part of our pact, Trickster. Thou art chained to hell itself, now and forevermore.
'Oh stop being so dramatic.'
He reached the end of the pews and saw a girl that he assumed was Hifumi Togo. Straight black hair with a red-rope hair accessory and neat, white clothing. However, he mostly assumed she was the shogi player because of the shogi board sitting next to her, on which she was placing pieces down with a stern expression, playing both sides.
"Do you think she's the one Yusuke mentioned? You should ask her."
"You should take a walk, Morgana. If she starts giving me lessons right away, you might get bored. Let's meet up outside the church when I'm done."
"Sounds good to me."
Morgana hopped out of his bag and wandered away, and he refocused on the girl. Stepping closer, she looked up when she noticed him from the periphery of her view and he smiled as she met his gaze. "Togo-san?"
"Um… Yes? I'm Hifumi Togo." It seemed that his overwhelming charm had reached her. Or something to that effect.
Damn, you're full of yourself.
'Screw off, Yaksini.' He looked down at her board, then around the church. "You're playing shogi alone… In a church?"
An awkward expression spread across her face. "Strange, hm…? I did receive approval to do so, though."
"Oh, I'm not judging you. I'm just wondering why you're doing it here."
"Experimenting with new tactics is best to do alone in a place like this. Well, I suppose that doesn't sound terribly plausible to someone who doesn't play… Ah, don't mind me. Please, go ahead and pray."
He eyed her, thinking it over. She certainly seemed to take a very tactical approach to playing shogi. It was certainly possible that he might learn some tactics for the Phantom Thieves from her expertise… He sat down on the bench, the shogi board between the two of them, and she tilted her head. "I'd like to be your student if you don't mind."
"Huh?" She looked at him blankly for a moment. "Um, you don't necessarily have to learn from me, you know. There are other options, such as playing online…"
"Learning from an expert in person seems much more educational, and fun," he spoke as he bowed to her.
"...Sorry, I just can't…" She sighed, then took the G3 Pawn and clacked it down one tile forward. "Well then… Um… Do you like shogi?"
"Mm," he answered non-comitally, before looking up at her. "It's more that I want to play like you."
"Like me…? You're a bit strange. But thank you." She looked down and closed her eyes. After a moment, she nodded. "Alright. Okay, just a quick game, then. Twenty seconds per move… If that's all right with you."
Looks like he was going to have to bullshit his way through this. Well, with such a short amount of time, he didn't need to think his moves through. Just slap the pieces down, and he… generally knew how they moved.
"Fine with me."
"I'll start, then." They reset the board and began playing. The skill difference was immediately apparent. She took no more than a second to clack a piece down whenever it was her turn, while he took at most five… and the majority of that time was him simply trying to remember how the tile could move. After that, it was just trying to decide what the best thing to do with said piece was, and quickly.
"So this is your skill level, huh? The dragon which governs the blue sky has fallen into my hands. How do you intend to survive this?" He blinked at her… vocabulary, something she had been using for quite some time after the match had started, and in that moment she grabbed her promoted rook and slammed it down into a diagonal tile, trapping his king with no way out. "Check!" She took a moment and was suddenly prim and polite once more. "It's checkmate no matter how you look at it. Please concede."
After getting over her… chunni-esque speech, he smiled and shook his head. "I realize it's proper to concede once there's no hope of winning, but you should know that you haven't lost until you lose."
Hifumi narrowed her eyes. "To concede is an act of admitting that you have lost, with grace. If you aspire to become a shogi player, I recommend that you take your study of the game to heart." He looked back down at the board, attempting to think up a way for his king to escape the coming checkmate. "In any event… your twenty seconds has expired."
"...Ah." It seemed that while they were talking, it had. Shame. With a chuckle, he bowed his head and conceded.
She bowed back, her expression becoming neutral again. "Well then, that will be all for today. If it's all right with you, may I request another match sometime?" He raised his eyebrows, and she smiled ever so slightly. "I feel… a gambler's spirit emanating from you. Which is strange, since your style of play is that of a complete novice."
"Considering I'm a beginner, that would make sense," he chuckled sheepishly, making sure to rub the back of his neck.
"Oh, I-I'm sorry. However… I suppose that would work. Yes, I will instruct you under one condition. You become my playing partner so that I can research new moves. Is that agreeable?"
"Bring it on. I'll win one, eventually."
"That's precious," Hifumi smiled. Ouch, his pride.
I believe that is the worst damage thou hast taken since Awakening to me.
"Well then, it's a deal. I'll teach you how to play, and you'll assist me with my new moves."
"It's a deal."
Her strategic insight may pave new paths for thou on the road of a thief. Chains shattered within, and a new bond with a Confidant formed.
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…
Star Arcana, Hifumi Togo: Rank 1
"Okay, let's end here for today." They both stood up, and she smiled. "I'd like to thank you once again for today… Oh, you haven't told me your name yet."
"Akira Starr."
"Thank you, Starr-san. So, before you head home, would you like to exchange line IDs with me? There's no obligation, of course."
"Sounds fine to me, Togo-san."
"Thank you. All right, then…" He pulled his phone out and Hifumi did the same, registering each other and then sending a test text to make sure. "Let's see… Ah, yes, it went through. I'll let you know if I come up with any new strategies."
"I'll be waiting for your message. Though, I would like to ask, why did you accept my request? Besides just wanting to test new shogi strategies. I'm sure plenty of people have asked you before to train them."
"Hm… I didn't sense any ill intentions from you. Most boys who ask me for lessons have ulterior motives."
He had to hold back a snort of amusement, though a grin did spread across his face. "Well, I can understand that. I'm assuming it's also because I'm a complete novice that you want to test strategies on, right?"
"Well…"
"It's alright, I can understand that. After all, idiots and novices are some of the most dangerous people to fight, since you can't predict what they'll do next," he chuckled.
"I suppose if you're the one to say it," Hifumi smiled.
"Ouch. But fair. In any case, I'll keep an eye out for your message. See you next time, Togo-san."
"Farewell, Starr-san."
Ω • Ω • Ω
7/9, Saturday
DEADLINE: TODAY
…
•Makoto•
"Care to explain?"
Principal Kobayakawa looked displeased. She kept her face neutral as she responded, making sure her tone was calm and logical. "I believe in what I wrote. 'The Phantom Thieves are just.'"
"Have you figured out who they are?"
He sounded excited, his eyes wide as he leaned over his desk. She shook her head and watched him deflate like a balloon. "No, I'm nowhere close. However, after considering all the facts, I concluded that there are no errors in their acts or principles. Thus, upon deeming them to be on the side of justice, I have decided to end my own investigation."
"But that's impossible!"
She raised an eyebrow and leaned back on one foot as she clasped her hands together. "Impossible? May I see the evidence you have that leads you to believe so?"
Principal Kobayakawa was silent for a moment, before glaring at her. "I was just speaking to the director of a prestigious college about your letter of recommendation too…"
"There will be no need for that," she smiled back as she cut off his blackmail. "I intend on getting into a good college by my own merit. Please excuse me." After bowing to the principal she turned and left, heart swelling with pride that she was taking control of her future.
"Hey, we're not done here!" For one of the first times in her life, she ignored an authority figure, leaving his office.
•Kobayakawa•
As she walked away, Kobayakawa watched her go with anxiety filling him. Without her help, the chances of him finding out who the Phantom Thieves were had dropped to near zero… Oh, who the hell was he kidding? They WERE zero at this point! He pulled his phone out and dialed a certain number before he could chicken out. "Sir, it's me. I apologize for bothering you like this…"
The man on the other end replied.
He winced. "About that…"
Another reply, anger tinting the voice.
Sweat was running down the back of his neck, and he felt his clothes becoming a bit damp. "Yes, I am making progress. However, I have stumbled upon some difficulties… Still, why would someone as important as you be interested in a petty case like this?"
The third reply was cold, yet furious.
Kobayakawa's heart pounded in his chest. He felt like he was going to have a heart attack at any moment from the stress. "N-No! That's not what I meant! I will investigate with all the resources I have available to me. Of course… Um, I should be able to let you know relatively soon. Yes, I will bring good news… Well then, thank you for your—"
They hung up.
He looked down at his phone with wide eyes, before letting his head fall into his hands. "Dammit…"
•Makoto•
"I'm home…"
She turned away from the television, which had been airing a special on Kaneshiro, to see Sis looking downcast. "Hi, Sis. You look tired… Is everything okay?"
"Don't worry about me," Sis immediately deflected. "How about you, Makoto? Have you been keeping up with your studies?"
"Yes, of course. Though… What is the point of studying?"
Sis looked at her, surprised. "What do you mean?"
She crossed her arms uncertainly, closing her eyes. After she attempted to help Akira interrogate that one goon of Kaneshiro's and his subsequent… rant, she acknowledged that she wasn't the most clever when it came to navigating the minefield that was a conversation... But she figured she knew her sister well enough to try and find out what she wanted to know. "I was just wondering what will be waiting for me at the end… Even if I manage to push through tough entrance exams, I'm still thrust into a competitive society."
Sis scoffed. "What else is there besides success? Don't ask me such ridiculous questions."
Instead of replying, she turned to the TV. "Isn't this the man the Phantom Thieves sent a calling card for? I heard he confessed to all his crimes."
Sis went with the change of subject, likely not wanting to entertain what she saw as 'delusions' any longer. "Even the police couldn't figure out why. It really… was out of nowhere. This would only make sense if his personality changed… but that would be impossible."
She turned to look back at Sis. "Why does it matter? The police still caught him in the end, right?"
Her older sister clenched her fists in frustration. "I had plans set for a promotion, but no one can take credit for his arrest now with that confession. …Not that a child would understand."
At that Sis walked away, and Makoto balled her fists in her lap. "So she was pursuing the case after all. Promotion…" She pulled her phone out and looked at a star-shaped app. "You've changed, Sis…" That jealousy that was coiled in Sae's heart like a sickeningly green serpent… "But… I'll be okay. I finally found a place where I belong."
Akira, Ann, Morgana, Yusuke… Ryuji… They all accepted her as one of them. She put her phone down and smiled, happy and content.
Repeating this for anyone who skipped the beginning AN:
Another day, another Fanfiction email issue. I'm uploading this chapter now since It's finished and may as well, but when the email issue is fixed, eventually, I'll be deleting and reposting it so that followers who rely on email alerts and don't use the 'followed stories' tab, or only have me as a followed author and haven't followed the story, will be able to read it. The reupload will only have this paragraph changed explaining that it's a reupload.
Really hoping this email issue isn't so long that it affects chapter 58 either, but with my slow ass uploading schedule that's probably impossible… right?
Anyway… Well, we've got Hifumi in here now. I won't go into the whole "Hifumi was supposed to be a party member" thing, most people know that by now. Still, fun Confidant, would've been interesting to see how she acted as a party member. Her shogi skills might've made her more logical as a sort-of navigator compared to Makoto lol.
Other than that, this was mostly a wind-down chapter. A coupe ranks for the Fool and Magician, and we're moving right along. So, let me know what you think of the chapter, or just leave a 'nice,' both are always great to read. See y'all next time!