Persona 5: From Metaverse to Multiverse

by The Real Life Mr. Puzzles

When a new enemy reopens the Metaverse and threatens to destroy all worlds, it'll take more than just one group of Phantom Thieves to pacify this new threat. Note: It's best if you read 'Persona 5: Slice of Life' and 'The Lonely Thief first'. (Sixth entry in the WildCard Fanfiction Multiverse)

1. Tale of Three Worlds

Episode 1: Tale of Three Worlds

(Canon Universe)

We begin this episode at the Tokyo Detention House. Inside the correctional facility, we hear the snoring of prisoners. Some of them are wide awake though, either reading, lifting weights, or carving a tally for how long they've been in jail for. It's at this moment when we cut to cell 915 where 36-year-old Daiki Sugimura, A.K.A Haru Okumura's ex-lover, is laying on his cot staring up at the ceiling wearing nothing but a brown jumpsuit and a frown. Suddenly, he hears a buzzing sound as his cell door, and others, open up. We then hear the prison warden speak over the PA system.

Warden: Rise and shine, ladies! Time for another shitty day in paradise!

(BGM: 'Green Green Grass of Home' by Tom Jones)

As Sugimura and the other inmates get out of bed before making them neatly. After the beds are made, the wardens come to inspect them. When a warden comes to Sugimura's cell, he notices that the sheet isn't placed on his cot evenly, so he walks up to the man and harshly pokes Sugimura in the stomach with his nightstick, causing him to double over in pain.

Guard: Better luck next time, convict! (Chuckles wickedly)

What follows from there is Sugimura's daily routine.

First, we see Sugimura and the other inmates showering off in the prison locker room. As Sugimura cleans himself off, the sound of an inmate whistling at him catches his attention. Suigmura looks to see the rugged, tattoo covered inmate blowing kisses at him, sending shivers down his spine.

Next, it's breakfast time. Suigmura is seen approaching the chef with an empty tray. What he is presented with is what appears to be a pile of brown sludge. Sugimura resists the urge to vomit as he hears the chef laugh at him.

Chef: Bon appétit, sweetie pie!

Sugimura leaves the line with his tray of food as he looks for a place to sit. As he walks, however, another inmate sticks his foot out in the middle of the aisle so that when Sugimura passes by, he trips over his foot and spills his food all over himself as he falls. Sugimura gets back up as all of the inmates laugh at him.

After that, we see Suigmura talking with what looks to be a therapist as he's laying on a chaise lounge chair as a doctor is writing what he's saying down on a clipboard. Unlike in the previous scenes, Sugimura seems more relaxed here, suggesting this is the part of the day when he's the most at peace.

Later, we see Sugimura with the other inmates out on the prison yard. Sugimura is sitting on the bleachers reading a book while most of the other inmates are either socializing, lifting weights, or playing a game of 'Skins vs. Shirts' basketball. As Sugimura reads, two buff looking inmates come up to him. When Sugimura looks up at them, one of the inmates punches Sugimura in the face. The two inmates mercilessly beat up on Sugimura as other inmates gather around to watch the fight.

We cut to Sugimura getting his injuries treated at the prison infirmary as the doctor puts stitches and bandages on him before prescribing painkillers.

Finally we cut to night time when it's time for all of the inmates to go to bed. Sugimura returns to his cell as the cell door closes behind him and the warden speaks over the PA system again.

Warden: Lights out, ladies! See you all first thing tomorrow!

(End BGM)

Sugimura lays himself down on his cot, covering himself up in the cheap, poorly made blanket before curling himself up in the fetal position. Another horrible day over and done with, Sugimura closes his eyes and tries to go to sleep. A few minutes later a faint blue glow wakes him up from his slumber. Sugimura opens his eyes to see a small, glowing blue orb on the other side of his cell. The orb grows larger until it opens up to reveal a portal to what looked like a throne room.

Sugimura: What is all of this?

Suddenly, a figure steps out from the portal. It appeared to be a beautiful young woman wearing a dark blue bodysuit with red along the sides and red on the shoulders. She also had tan skin, dark brown hair, and green eyes. Attached to the woman's bodysuit was a red hood which she lowered so she could talk to Sugimura face to face.

Woman: Daiki Sugimura, I presume?

Sugimura: Who are you? How did you know my name?

Woman: My master knows a lot of things about everyone across the multiverse. We also know that you're father is Kazu Suigmura, one of the most notable figures in your universe's version of the Diet, and you were put in jail because you've gotten one DUI too many on top of your former lovers testifying against you and your abusive nature.

Sugimura: I see you've been doing your homework. But why are you here in my cell?

Woman: My master thinks that you'll be an asset to our cause. (Moves aside to show Sugimura the portal behind her) Please, come right this way.

Sugimura: Now, hold on, weird lady! First, I don't know who you or your so-called master is. And second, what is this cause you're talking about? There's a lot of things you have to explain here!

Woman: Everything will be explained in due time. But if you must know, my name is Claudette. Now, come along. Your destiny awaits you.

Sugimura thinks for a bit before answering with…

Sugimura: Well, anywhere is better than here.

Reluctantly, Sugimura gets out of bed and walks through the portal with Claudette following close behind him as she closes the portal.

---

Once Sugimura and Claudette get out of the portal, they are in the throne room that was on the other side. The color motif of the place was a series of blacks, whites, and blues; a blue carpet leading towards the throne where Claudette's master sits. The master is seen wearing blue and white, kingly robes over gold bodysuit with diamond armor, a platinum plated mask covering his whole face, a blue tophat with a white hat band, and he's holding a blue jewel on a staff. Sugimura looks at this strange new character with much intrigue before looking around at the environment around him.

Claudette: Daiki Sugimura, allow me to introduce you to my master; The Father of Shadows and Future Ruler of All Worlds, Hoshigami.

Hoshigami: (Stands up from his throne and steps down to get a closer look at Sugimura) Daiki Sugimura. It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.

Hoshigami holds his hand out for Sugimura to shake, which he reluctantly does.

Sugimura: Thank you, sir. But, where are we? What is this place? And why have you called me here?

Hoshigami: You are currently standing in my castle in my Kingdom of Acceptance, nestled in my New Metaverse.

Sugimura: New Metaverse?

Hoshigami: Yes. (Holds up his blue jewel scepter) With this jewel, the Construct Crystal, I was able to use my thoughts to create my 'ideal world'. And I wish to recreate all worlds, yours included, in my own image.

Sugimura: All worlds? Are you saying there's a multiverse out there?

Hoshigami: Yes. And I find the current state of affairs in each universe to be appalling. This multiverse is ugly, filled with even uglier people. The problem is that I can't do this alone, which is why I summoned you to help me. Someone who has no friends, no future, and hates people as much as I do is the perfect candidate to help me achieve my goal. You, my dear boy, seem to fit the bill. So, what do you say? Would you like to make something of yourself, get the ultimate revenge on your enemies, and help me and Claudette cleanse the multiverse?

As Hoshigami holds his hand out for Sugimura to shake, Sugimura thinks for a few moments before a look of determination appears on his face.

Sugimura: (Shakes Hosghigami's hand) I'm in!

Hoshigami: Most excellent.

Claudette: This is a decision that you're not going to regret. Trust me.

Hoshigami: Well, now that you're a part of my army, it only makes sense for me to introduce you to your brothers and sisters in arms.

Sugimura: Hmm?

Hoshigami snaps his fingers and a platform comes down from above. When the platform makes it to Sugimura, Hoshigami, and Claudette's level, they come face to face with silhouettes of Joker, Skull, Mona, Panther, Fox, Queen, Oracle, Noir, Crow, Kasumi, Sophie, Wolf, Toshiro, and Erina. Sugimura gasps as most of these silhouettes look familiar.

Sugimura: I know these people.

---

(Flashback)

About 10 years ago, in the Canon Universe, Sugimura is seen in his penthouse watching a news report, which is suddenly interrupted by the Phantom Thieves' calling card against Masayoshi Shido. Sugimura leans in closer to his T.V screen when the silhouettes of Joker, Skull, Mona, Panther, Fox, Queen, Oracle, and Noir appear.

(End Flashback)

---

Sugimura: Those are the Phantom Thieves of Hearts!

Hoshigami: Brilliant observation skills, my boy.

Sugimura: But what are they doing here?

Hoshigami: (Chuckles) It seems you've already forgotten about the existence of the multiverse. The Phantom Thieves you know, and by extension, the Phantom Thieves in most other universes, seek to, as they say, 'Take Your Heart'…

As Hoshigami talks, the other version of Joker/Ren steps forward into the light to show himself, revealing that he's wearing a different wardrobe when compared to the real one. This Joker is wearing an all white ensemble with gold gloves and a black mask with white around the eyeholes.

Hoshigami:...My thieves however are more inclined to 'Break Your Heart'!

The Evil Joker/Ren smiles wickedly at Sugimura as we finally cut to the intro theme.

---

(BGM: 'Counter Identity' by Unison Square Garden)

(Bokura wa koe ga kareru made Sonzai, tsuzukeru (jiizasu))

A three-way split screen shows Ren, Akechi, and Minato in their universes standing on the edge of a building, staring at the sunrise on the horizon. After a while, the three of them jump off of the building and land in the New Metaverse dressed in their Phantom Thief outfits; Joker, Crow, and Lion respectively. Once they land on their feet, they run off into the distance as the title 'P5: Persona 5: From Metaverse to Multiverse' appears

(Me wo samaseba sanjuupon no hikaru no taba wo Iiwaketachi wo tada moteasobu jikan ga yurusu kagiri.)

In the Woodlands of Denial, we see the group of Ren, Makoto, Futaba, Sophia, Kaoru, Sae, Ryuta, Sojiro, Wakaba, Takemi, Ichiko, Takeishi, Toshiro, and Eri riding through the forest in Sputnik's car form; a hummer. The group is taking in the landscape and the Shadows inhabiting the area

In the Desert of Anger, we see the group of Ryuji, Ann, Shiho, Mika, Hayato, Hifumi, Naoya, Kazuya, Daisuke, Zenkichi, Shinya, Akane, Nakaoka, and Chihaya riding across the arid landscape in Morgana's car form. The group is taking in the landscape and the Shadows inhabiting the area

(Soshite subete ga sono iiwake de makanaeru gurai no sekai. Dakara umarete kuru imi toka mo son nani taishita mon janai)

In the Isles of Depression, the group of Akechi, Eiko, Sumire, Ichiro, Kas, Kimiko, Minato, Riku, Mai, Yutaka, Nayoko, Akihiro, and Kana are sailing across the water in Sputnik's Trawler Boat form.

In the Tundra of Bargaining, the group of Haru, Yusuke, Yuuki, Himari, Hotaru, Mana, Mitsu, Nariko, Kaito, Wataru, Kunikazu, Sadayo, Old Morgana, and a sleeping Chikao are seeking refuge from a snowstorm in a cave.

(Nan hyakkai kurikaeshita. Nodde mou ikkai. Hajimatte iku nai teru no? Waratteru no? Tte mou takusanda yo)

Inside Chikao's dream, he's in a dark void when he sees Claudette. Chikao tries to run up to her only for a purple haze to separate them. The purple haze gets so bad that it envelope the entire screen. When the haze clears, viewers are met with the masked gaze of Hoshigami who holds out his scepter, a blue flash of light blinding the viewer

(Hottoite warui me ga haete mo. Sonna me de minaide. Uso tsui chatte. Gomennasai, nante iu tsumori mo nain dakara)

When the light dissipates, we see the likes of Ren/Joker, Ryuji/Skull, Morgana/Mona, Ann/Panther, Yusuke/Fox, Makoto/Queen, Futaba/Oracle, Haru/Noir, Akechi/Crow, Sumire/Violet, Toshiro/Patriot, Eri/Partisan, Sophia/Sophie, and Zenkichi/Wolf standing across from their evil counterparts; The Falldown Thieves. Standing with the Falldown Thieves are Claudette and Sugimura, the latter of whom snaps his fingers causing an earthquake. The heroes retreat as what comes out of the ground next is a giant tortoise like Shadow with a large tree on his back with nine huge glowing pieces of fruit; Shadow Yggdrasil. Joined by the rest of their friends, the 58 Phantom Thieves get ready to fight the Shadow Yggdrasil.

(Bokura wa koe ga kareru made. Sonzai shi tsuzukerundayo. Taiyou ni se o mukenagara)

Shadow Yggdrasil is on the attack, first by summoning Shadow Zombies and Shadow Pterodactyls for the Phantom Thieves to fight. Futaba/Oracle is in the Necronomicon, ready to support her comrades and analyze enemies.

The likes of Sae/Arbiter, Yutaka/Dizzy, Nayoko/Warrioress, Morgana/Mona, Old Morgana/Old Mona, Remus/Tricky, Sputnik/Jinx, Kas/Crash, Sumire/Violet, and Ichiro/Hawk are fighting off the Shadow Zombies.

Meanwhile, the likes of Daisuke/Ace, Ryuta/Owl, Kimiko/Angel, Himari/Bumblebee, Kana/Darner are using their wingpacks to take to the skies and take on the Shadow Pterodactyls. On the ground, we see the likes of Ryuji/Skull, Hotaru/Feature, Akihiro/Mariner, Wataru/Maestro, and Mana/Shogun aiming their attacks at any Shadow Pterodactyls that get too close to them.

The Shadow Yggdrasil fires a Kougaon from his 'Alfheim Fruit' at Shiho/Shinobi, who dodges as she continues to run towards the giant Shadow. Shiho is just distracting the monster so that the other Thieves can attack the Shadow Yggdrasil's fruits.

The likes of Makoto/Queen, Hayato/Romeo, and Kazuya/Courage fire Nuclear Attacks at the Vanaheim Fruit. Haru/Noir, Nariko/Mage, and Chihaya Prophet fire Psy Attacks at the Helheim Fruit. Ichiko/Flapper, Hifumi/Wraith, and Tae/Raven fire Curse Attacks at the Alfheim Fruit. Akechi/Crow, Yuuki/Paladin, Sojiro/Chief fire Bless Attacks at the Niflheim Fruit. Ann/Panther, Shinya/Ranger, and Riku/Clockwork are firing Fire Attacks at the Jotunheim Fruit.

(Anata no koe ga itai hodo ni tsukisasarukara. Dounimo omoidouri ni susumanai Sukoshi damatte yo (Closing Intrumentals))

Yusuke/Fox, Akane/Spirit, Mitsu/Edgerunner, and Sadayo/Lady are firing Ice Attacks at the Muspelheim Fruit. Minato/Lion, Wakaba/Pharaoh, and Nakaoka/Diesel are firing Earth Attacks at the Svartalfheim Fruit. Kaito/Professor and Kunikazu/Colonel are firing Cosmos Attacks at the Midgard Fruit. Mai uses her powers to craft a 'BFG' which she uses to attack the Shadow Yggdrasil's Asgard Fruit. Also attacking the Asgard Fruit is Eiko/Jester, Naoya/Beat, Mika/Cheetah, Kaoru/Spore, Takeishi/Coyote, Zenkichi/Wolf, Sophia/Sophie, Toshiro/Patriot, and Eri/Partisan.

All of the attacks connect and badly damage all nine of the Shadow Yggdrasil's Attack Fruits, allowing Ren/Joker to get up on the giant shadow's back where he comes face-to-face with the Falldown Thieves, Sugimura, Claudette, and the Father of Shadows himself; Hoshigami. Ren/Joker scowls at the villain before said villain look to his side to find Chikao and Sojiro looking up at him in horror.

As Hoshigami turns his attention back to Ren/Joker, he turns his scepter into a sharp, blue scythe as Ren Summons his Persona, Satanael. Hoshigami charges at Ren, who takes out his knives to block Hoshigami's scythe swing.

This battle turns out to be all in Ren's imagination as we then cut to an image of him and the rest of our heroes staring up at Hosghigami's castle in the Kingdom of Acceptance before the intro finally ends.

---

(The Canon Universe - The Following Day)

(BGM: 'Take on Me' by a-ha)

The day after Sugimura's breakout we see 26 year old Ren Amamiya and his pet cat Morgana walking down the street with a confident stride and carrying a tray of presumably food. As he's heading for his destination, we hear him narrating.

Ren (v.o): Well, it's been a long time since you've last seen me hasn't it? If this is your first time seeing me, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ren Amamiya; a resident of Tokyo, Japan for the last five years, head chef at the Wilton Hotel Buffet, and former leader of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. What's that? You don't know who the Phantom Thieves of Hearts are? Would you like to know? Well, pull up a chair and I'll tell you.

---

(Montage begins)

The first stop in this montage is a slide show of all of the Phantom Thieves' exploits, all of the hearts they've changed, and a brief clipshow of each individual Phantom Thief and the awakenings of their Personas.

Ren (v.o): The Phantom Thieves of Hearts were a group of young, rebellious individuals who sought to change the hearts of wicked adults. We did this by traveling into the Metaverse, infiltrating our target's Palace, defeating the Shadow of said target, then stealing their treasure. It's a lot easier said than done, but me and my friends managed to do it. And I really couldn't have done it without them or the help of our Personas. Personas, for those who are unaware, is something similar to a superpower that only awakens when one is ready to rebel against those who have wronged you. Your Shadow self merges with your real self, creating a mask that contains your Persona, and you are able to summon your Persona at will. Me, however, I'm a special case; a Persona-user known as the 'Wild Card'. In other words, I could use as many Personas as I wanted, whenever I wanted. There's no denying that that ability gave me and my friends the winning edge on more than one occasion.

We then get a clip show of Ren meeting his fellow Phantom Thieves; Ryuji, Morgana, Ann, Yusuke, Futaba, Haru, and Sumire.

Ren (v.o): Speaking of friends, the other eight members of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts is probably the best thing that ever happened to me, and I've made so many memories with them that I'll hold in my heart forever. From the brash but good hearted Ryuji, to the bubbly but strong-willed Ann, to my pet cat Morgana, to the artistically talented Yusuke, to my 'little sister' figure Futaba, to the rich but down to Earth Haru, to the marvelous Sumire Yoshizawa. I've managed to help them all out of their personal dilemmas and walked away with their friendship when all was said and done.

The next clip show shows all the times Ren was seen hanging out with Makoto, a romance blooming between the two of them, culminating in the two of them sharing their first kiss during a fireworks show at the Sumida River.

Ren (v.o): But there's one person who I have yet to mention, and she's undeniably my favorite one in the bunch; my darling girlfriend, Makoto Niijima. To me, she's the whole package. She's smart, she's badass, she's…at risk of sounding like an idiot…adorasexy. What started as a mutual bond that only happened because of our partnership as Phantom Thieves, evolved into my favorite friendship when we became study partners, and that evolved into a romance that I wouldn't trade for anything in the entire world. There's no other way of saying it, but Makoto Niijima is my everything!

We then get another clip show of Ren and his small group of friends growing larger over the course of the next 10 years. To the point where it has gone from just nine people to a whopping 35 people. The first two clips we see as Ren talks here are the group of nine hanging out with Sojiro, Dr. Tae Takemi, and Sae at Cafe Leblanc, and they even help Sojiro clean up and close up shop for the evening. The second clip involves the group of nine plus Sojiro, Tae, and Sae helping Zenkichi and Akane move into their home when they moved back to Tokyo after the events of Strikers.

Ren (v.o): We haven't been Phantom Thieves for about 10 years now as the way to the Metaverse has been closed off after we took our countrywide road trip, but that just meant we had more time to ourselves to enjoy life and make even more friends.

After that, we get a montage of how the Phantom Thieves met the rest of their friends.

Moment #1 - At the church in Kanda, Ren introduces Hifumi to his friends while she introduces them to one of her friends; a bespectacled scarlet haired man around the same age as Hifumi named Hayato.

Moment #2 - Chihaya Mifune thought it would be a good idea to invite the group of 14 on a camping trip in the woods. Between the events of 'Strikers' and this story, Chihaya moved back to the countryside and is wearing an appropriate wardrobe; a short sleeve yellow and white plaid button up shirt, some blue jeans, and brown boots. For the trip itself we see Ren and Sojiro cooking lunch for everyone over the fire pit. Morgana and Futaba taking a nap underneath a shady tree. Ryuji, Haru, Hifumi, and Hayato are going fishing in a nearby stream. Ann, Makoto, and Sae are helping Chihaya set up tents. Zenkichi, Akane, and Sumire are getting wood for fire. Tae is looking through a first aid kit to make sure she has everything. Yusuke is seen painting the stream, not far from where Ryuji, Haru, Hifumi, and Hayato are fishing.

Moment #3 - Ren is working out with Ryuji, Ann, and Sumire at the gym where he gets better acquainted with Ryuji's former track mates Hiro Nakaoka and Kuro Takeishi, as well as Ann's rival turned friend Mika Shibata, and where he meets Sumire's gymnastics friend, Ichiro Tanaka. Ren and Ryuji are seen lifting weights. Ann, Mika, Nakaoka and Takeishi are running on treadmills. Sumire and Ichiro are working on their upper bodies by doing some pull-ups on a pull-up bar.

Moment #4 - The gang decides to go on a vacation to Hawaii, and they wish to invite more friends outside of the group in an attempt to welcome them into the group. Yusuke brings along Naoya Makigami. Makoto brings along Eiko Takao. Futaba brings along Kana. Ren brings along Yuuki. And Ann brings along Shiho, who also brought along two new friends she made when she was sent to another school after the Kamoshida incident; Daisuke and Ryuta Watanabe. As for what they did on vacation, we have Sojiro, Tae, and Zenkichi going to the Pearl Harbor Memorial/Museum. Hifumi, Akane, and Kana learn how to hula while Hayato learns the ukulele. Chihaya is doing some shopping at the market with Nakaoka offering to go with her to keep her company. Sae is playing golf with the likes of Daisuke, Ryuta, Takeishi, and Naoya, and she is beating them at the game. Ren, Ryuji, and Yuuki are facing Makoto, Ann, and Shiho in a game of beach volleyball where the girls are winning. Mika is walking along the beach wearing a royal blue and yellow bikini which is catching all of the male beach goers attention. Out in the ocean, Futaba and Morgana are resting on an inflatable raft, which gets tipped over by Sumire and Ichiro. At sunset, Yusuke is on the beach painting the scene while Haru and Eiko are chatting and taking a stroll.

Moment #5 - The group, with the exception of Sojiro, Zenkichi and Morgana, are helping Sadayo Kawakami at a car wash fundraiser. Makoto, Yusuke, and Yuuki are using some dry buckets to collect money from the customers. While washing a male driver's car, said driver gives Tae his phone number. Sumire, Hifumi, Shiho, Akane, and Eiko are spraying each other with hoses as they wait for another customer. Nakaoka and Takeishi are impressing some female customers by flexing their soapy muscles, making them swoon. After cleaning a car, to cool off, Daisuke takes a wet cloth and squeezes it above him as the water trickles down his abs and seeing this action causes Naoya to faint. Ann is leaning on the hood to clean the roof of one car, causing her breasts to press up against the windshield. Next to Ann, we see Ryuji cleaning another car, but he's too focused on her to focus on cleaning his car. Futaba and Kana are cutely greeting their next customer with a warm smile, which causes said customer to smile back. Hayato tries to do a sexy dance while washing a car only to slip and land on his ass. Mika dunks her head into a bucket of water and pulls off a wet hair flip. Chihaya and Haru are making milkshakes while Ren and Ichiro cook up some hot dogs for customers to make even more money. As Sae washes a car, Ryuta is admiring every facet of her body, absolutely stunned by her beauty. Finally, Sadayo herself is washing a car when Naoya's older brother Kazuya Makigami comes by and sees her. Sadayo and Kazuya are surprised to see each other, especially now of all times, implying that they had history with one another.

Moment #6: The group is helping Toshiro Kasukabe and Eri Natushara at their new homeless shelter/nonprofit organization; The Kasuhara House. After Toshiro's own adventures with the Phantom Thieves, he decided to remove himself from the Diet entirely and team up with his friend Eri to start a nonprofit organization that helps the poor and disenfranchised of Tokyo (Note: Think F.E.A.S.T from Spider-Man). All 29 members of the group are helping the duo out in some way shape or form, whether it be cooking up warm meals for the folks in the shelter, providing them with clothes, blankets and toys, or socializing with them to get to know them better.

Moment #7: On Ren's 21st Birthday,the men of the group decide to take him to Crossroads bar so he can 'get his drink on'. Yusuke, Kazuya, and Naoya are in the corner talking with cocktails in their hands. Daisuke, Ryuta, Naoya, and Nakaoka are playing Beer Pong. Takeishi strikes up a friendly conversation with Crossroads regular Ichiko Ohya. Ichiro is competing with Hayato in a karaoke contest with Yuuki judging the competition (Note: Despite Ichiro being the youngest man at this point in time, he has a fake I.D like his 'SoL' counterpart). Zenkichi, Toshiro, and Sojiro are talking with Ren as they share a drink of champagne with him, happy to share a milestone birthday with him.

Moment #8: The group is watching the new Featherman movie and they even invited Shinya Oda and Kaoru Iwai. The group is seen watching an action scene in awe as they feast on soda, candy, and popcorn. In the middle of watching a scene, Shinya reaches for his drink, but he accidentally ends up holding Akane's hand. Shinya and Akane look at each other as a blush grows on their cheeks.

(Montage ends)

---

Finally, at long last, we return to the present day where Ren and Morgana finally reach their destination; Inokashira Park. Inside the park, we see all of Ren's friends (with the exception of Futaba, Kana, and Sojiro) as they set up what looks like a barbecue/birthday party. Seeing his friends prepare this party makes Ren and Morgana smile with pride as they walk into the park.

Ren: (v.o): Suffice it to say, I'm very happy with where my life is right now. I thought life would be nothing but smooth sailing for my friends and I from here on out…but I was wrong.

('Take on Me' fades out)

As Ren and Morgana enter the party area they look around as all of their friends get the party set up. They see 26 year old Daisuke setting up an area for music with speakers, a turntable, and soundboard. Assisting him is his cousin, 28 year old Ryuta, as well as 26 year old Naoya and 28 year old Kazuya Makigmai.

Daisuke: Someone pass me the auxiliary cable, please.

Naoya: Right here. (He hands Daisuke the cable)

Daisuke: Thanks, dude. (He gets down on his knees to plug the auxiliary cable in, and as he does Naoya is eyeing his rump)

The cat and human look in another area to find Yusuke (26) instructing the likes of Hayato (26), Hifumi (26), Yuuki (26) and Shiho (26) arranging birthday presents in a neat pyramid on a table.

Hayato: Are we done yet? This is the sixth time we've disassembled and reassembled the gift pyramid.

Yusuke forms a frame with his thumbs and index fingers, looks at the present pyramid and lets out a defeated sigh.

Yusuke: Sorry it still looks lopsided.

Hayato, Hifumi, Yuuki, and Shiho groan in annoyance.

Shiho: Is Sojiro really going to care if his present pyramid is slightly off? I don't think he'll care all that much.

Yusuke: He might not know or care, but I will. (He walks up to the pyramid and begins rearranging it himself) Let me do this.

As Yusuke fixes the present pyramid himself, Hayato and Hifumi look at each other and shrug their shoulders as Yuuki whispers something in Shiho's ear.

Yuuki: Artists, am I right? (This statement causes Shiho to chuckle to herself)

Ren and Morgana look at another part of the party to see a large number of his friends working on decorations. Toshiro (43), Eri (45), Shinya (21), Akane (23), and Zenkichi (50) are working on blowing up balloons with the number 50 printed on them, while Kaoru (25) is watching as Mika (27) and Ichiro (25) are putting up a banner between two trees that reads 'Happy 50th, Sojiro!'

Eri: (Finishes blowing the last of her balloons) Well, that's the last of them.

Eri hands the balloon over to her boyfriend Toshiro, and he ties it to a bunch of balloons before attaching said bunch to a decorative weight. Toshiro then hands the balloon bunch to Shinya.

Toshiro: Would you put this on one of the tables for me, please?

Shinya: (Takes the bunch from him) You got it.

Akane: Hang on, babe, I'll come with you.

Shinya: It's just a short walk from here to that table over there. I won't be gone long.

Akane: It's fine. (Gets up and wraps her arm in his) I love spending time with you.

Shinya: (Chuckles) You're too cute for words.

As Akane and Shinya walk the balloon bunch to one of the tables, Zenkichi stares off after them with an unsure look on his face. Toshiro and Eri notice this and turn to face him.

Toshiro: Everything okay, Zenkichi?

Zenkichi: Yeah, Toshiro, I'm fine. It's just, well, I still can't believe that Akane is in her mid-20s for one thing. But the other, and don't tell Shinya or Akane I said this, I just don't know what my little girl sees in that boy.

Toshiro: Well from what I've heard he's got a gaming channel going on ClipTube and he just reached a million subscribers.

Zenkichi: But that's not a real job. A real job is something with a union, a pension, a retirement plan. And what if this whole ClipTube thing goes down the tubes? What are they going to do then?

Eri: I really don't know what the big deal is. So what if Shinya's job is unconventional? He treats your daughter well, and they both love each other very much.

Toshiro: And if Akane loves Shinya, then there's not really much we can do about it. You can't help who she falls in love with, Zenkichi.

Zenkichi: (Sighs) I know.

While that little dilemma is unfolding, Ren and Morgana shift their attention to Mika, Ichiro, and Kaoru. The former two are standing atop some ladders as they hang up Sojiro's birthday banner.

Mika: Is my side straight, Kaoru?

Kaoru: Your side looks great, Mika! (He looks over at Ichiro's side) Ichiro, you may need to go a little higher.

Ichiro: Alright, how high do you want it? (As Ichiro raises his side of the banner, he loses his footing on the ladder and falls onto the ground)

Mika: Oh! That's gonna leave a mark!

Sumire (25) runs over to check on her friend/rival, a concerned look on her face as she helps Ichiro on his feet.

Sumire: Are you alright, Ichiro?

Ichiro: (Grunts as he stretches his muscles) No sweat, Sumire. That fall was nothing. You should've seen this injury I got during the Osaka Tournament when I was 12. To make a long story short, I wiped out big time while performing a trick on the rings and I ended up popping my arm right out of my socket. It took three doctors to hold me down so they could slingshot it back into place.

Sumire: Oof! My arm hurts just thinking about that.

Ichiro: You know what they say; what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.

Sumire: At least you have a great attitude about things. Still though, I should get you an ice pack in case there's swelling.

Ichiro: That won't be necessary.

Sumire: (Leaves to go find an ice pack) Please, Ichiro, I insist.

Kaoru: That Sumire is always looking out for you.

Ichiro: (Blushes) Yeah. She really does.

Ren smiles seeing one of his friends potentially finding love before he and Morgana finally make it to the buffet table where most of Ren's other friends, specifically the likes of Ryuji (26), Ann (26), Eiko (26), Sae (34), Tae (40), Sadayo (36), Takeishi (27), Nakaoka (26), Chihaya (30), and Ichiko (32) are setting up the food.

Ann, Eiko, and Sae worked together to bake a delicious chocolate cake for Sojiro. Chihaya made some delicious salads with vegetables fresh from her farm (After the events of Persona 5, Chihaya moved back to the country where she runs her own farm). Ryuji is seen grilling up some food on the grill while Sadayo makes sure condiments, plastic silverware, and paper plates are all set up. Takeishi and Nakaoka are filling up coolers with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages alike, and Ichiko is making sure the beer keg is all set up.

Ren walks up to the table and puts his tray down before removing the tin foil covering it, revealing the tray to be full of Sojiro's famous curry.

Ann: Alright! The curry's here!

Nakaoka: Somehow a party just isn't complete without Sojiro's famous curry.

Ren: It would be an insult to Sojiro if his curry wasn't served at his birthday party. (He looks around) Looks like everyone except Makoto, Futaba, Kana, and the man of the hour are here.

Ryuji: Where is Makoto anyway? I thought she'd show up with you.

Ren: She's one of the officers in charge of figuring out Daiki Sugimura's disappearance last night. When she texted me earlier today she said that her workload has increased.

Eiko: She must be pretty busy then. Do you guys think she's going to show up?

Voice: Do you really think I'd miss a milestone birthday like this one?

The 11 look in the direction of the voice to find Makoto Niijima (27) in her policewoman outfit as she approaches them.

Eiko: Mako-chan!

Sae: Glad you could make it, sis. (Hugs Makoto as she hugs her sister back)

Makoto: I'm glad to be here (Releases Sae from the hug).

Ryuji: We all thought you'd be too busy to come down here and hang with us, Makoto.

Makoto: Well, I'm on my lunch break right now so I figured I'd come and see how you guys were doing. Besides, I definitely don't want to miss singing 'Happy Birthday' to the man of the hour. Speaking of which, where is he?

Ren: Futaba and Kana should be here any minute with him, sweetie. (Goes up to her and kisses and hugs her). In the meantime, help yourself to some curry.

Makoto: Oh yes! I'm starving! (She grabs a plate and puts some curry on it)

Ren: Help yourselves everyone. There's plenty to go around.

Takeishi: You don't have to tell us twice. (Him and the rest of the group with them take a plate and grab some curry along with other sides)

Ren: So, what's going on with you guys lately?

Ichiko: You know how it is, Renny. Same shit different day. (Most of the rest of the group nods with her in agreement; nothing much is going on in their lives either).

Ren: (Looks over at Ryuji and Ann) What about you two? Three months ago you two told us that you were trying to have a kid of your own. How's that going?

Ryuji: Believe us Ren, we've been trying for the last three months, but we keep coming up short.

Nakaoka: What's the matter, Sakamoto? Firing blanks?

Ann: At least he has a woman to 'fire blanks' into!

Ryuji: Not sure whether to laugh or be ashamed of that comment, babe, but regardless, up high! (He and Ann high five).

Chihaya: Not trying to be 'this woman', but who's to say there's something wrong with Ryuji? There might be something wrong with Ann.

Ann: What could possibly be wrong with me? I'm the spitting image of health!

Tae: Regardless, if you two have been trying to procreate over these last few months only to come up short, something could be wrong. I'd like to give you both physicals just to be safe. I have an opening tomorrow morning if either of you are interested.

Ann: I'll go. Ryuji has to coach the Shujin Track Team tomorrow, so he'll be busy for most of tomorrow. I don't have to be at my latest fashion shoot until later in the afternoon, so I'll be there.

Tae: Excellent.

Suddenly, Haru Okumura (27) comes out of nowhere with an excited look on her face.

Haru: Quickly, everyone! Sojiro, Futaba, and Kana are coming this way!

Ren: Alright, everyone, let's hide! I really want him to be surprised!

The group all hide under tables, in bushes, in trees, or behind the present pyramid so they could surprise Sojiro for his birthday. Sojiro (50), led by adoptive daughter Futaba (25) and her friend Kana (25), enter the park and head straight for the party area.

(Author's Note: Since I didn't go over what Kana looks like, as she's not seen in the game, I'll go over what I think she looks like. Kana is a few inches higher than Futaba, being at 5'1'', with a rather fit body. Her wardrobe usually consists of hoodies and jean shorts with black sandals)

Futaba: Right this way, Sojiro.

The two girls lead Sojiro into the party area and he's pleasantly surprised to see such a wonderful site, and even more delighted when all of his friends jump out from their hiding places to yell…

All: SURPRISE!

Hayato was hanging from a tree branch like a sloth, but he lost his grip and fell back to the ground, landing with a thud.

Hayato: (Holding up a thumbs up) I'm okay!

Sojiro: Oh wow! Thanks everyone! You really didn't have to do this!

Kana: Your daughter and Ren insisted upon it, Mr. Sakura, sir.

Sojiro: Please, Kana, you've known me for quite some time now. You can call me Sojiro.

Ren: (Walks up to Sojiro and shakes his hand) Happy birthday, Sojiro.

Sojiro: Ah, thank you Ren. (Looks around at the party) You all put a lot of hard work into preparing this party.

Futaba: For you, Sojiro, we spared no expense.

Ren: You left a lasting impact on all of our lives, Sojiro. It's really the least we can do.

Sojiro: You know, it's times like this where I consider myself blessed that we're a part of each other's lives. The only way it can get even better is if a few 'certain someones' were here to join me.

Futaba: I think I have an idea as to who one of those 'someones' are. My mom, right?

Sojiro: Well, her of course, but also my old childhood friend, Ugetsu Hoshigami.

Futaba: I've never heard about him before. I take it you and him were close.

Sojiro: Growing up we were joined at the hip, Hoshigami and I. He was the brain to my brawn; he'd tutor me in science and in return I took care of any bully problems that he was having. But beyond that we just enjoyed each other's company. (Wistful sigh) Oh my Hoshigami. He always had these big dreams of making some big discovery in the world of science. So much so that when I became a government official and the Japan Science and Technology Agency was in need of fresh new minds, I recommended Hoshigami to the higher ups and they took him on without a second thought. Being a part of the agency was Hoshigami's big chance to make that big discovery that he always dreamed of, but one day, something went wrong with one of his experiments and he disappeared.

Kana: Disappeared, sir?

Sojiro: Yeah. Hoshigami always believed in parallel universes, a multiverse if you will. He would've done anything to prove that such a concept exists. He created a portal that he hoped would take him to another universe, but when it came time to show the higher ups, something went wrong and he, along with half of the building, disappeared. I'd go more into details, but as this was a top secret government project, I feel like I've already said too much. After the incident, they wrote off Hoshigami's death as an 'unfortunate accident'.

Ren: Did anyone at least try to save him?

Sojiro: I've tried countless times to make another portal so I could try and save Hoshigami, but I just couldn't get a firm understanding of what Hoshigami did to make the portal work the first time. And even if I did succeed in making a portal to go and look for him, the multiverse is composed of an infinite number of realities. I'd be searching for him until the day I died

Futaba: You think this Hoshigami guy is still out there somewhere?

Sojiro: It's hard to say. That was over 25 years ago. It's possible that Hoshigami landed in a reality just like this one with all of the necessities one needs to survive. But on the other hand…well, I don't even want to think about any worst case scenarios. I just hope that wherever Hoshigami is now, he's doing alright.

Futaba: I'm sure he is, dad.

As Futaba hugs Sojiro, he looks around to see that his story has left everyone looking sullen and downtrodden.

Sojiro: Hey now. Why all the long faces? This is a birthday party, right? We should start acting like it!

Everyone cheers in agreement, but before any partying can be done, a woman enters the party. This woman has the appearance of a woman in her early 20s. She has long red hair tied up in braided twintails and she's wearing a white sweater with a light gray skirt, black leggings, and black shoes.

Red Haired Lady: Ahem.

Everyone turns in her direction, and immediately the likes of Ren, Ryuji, Morgana, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, Zenkichi, and Akane recognize her.

Red Haired Lady: I heard there was a party going on here today.

The Nine: Sophia!

The group of nine run up to greet their AI friend from their countrywide road trip. They all hug Sophia before taking a look at her new body.

Ann: Sophia, how've you been?! God, it's been so long since we've last seen you.

Sophia: It really has been.

Ryuji: So, what's going on? What's with this new body?

Futaba: Yeah, the last time we saw you, you were just an AI in Ren's phone.

Sophia: Well, after you gave me over to Ichinose so she can better understand humans, she thought that the perfect way to do that was to upload me into a physical form. So she built me this body so I could interact with her and show her how to interact with others.

Yusuke: Simply amazing!

Ann: I guess that means now you can do all of the things you've wanted to do like eat human food and go karaoke.

Sophia: Of course. And all while still having the same abilities I had when I was just an AI.

Ryuji: (Teasingly) So I guess that means you can order us another gold bar then?

Everyone chuckles at Ryuji's remark before Makoto speaks up.

Makoto: How is Ichinose doing now anyways?

Sophia: I can safely say that she's doing much better these days and has come out of her shell.

Ren: That's great! But what are you doing here?

Sophia: Well, Ichinose was so grateful for all I've done for her, and I've gotten so accustomed to my new body, that she decided to send me out into the world to live life how I want to. I told her I wanted to find you guys again so I can live out the rest of my days with you all, so she bought an apartment for me so I have somewhere to live while I searched for you all. It took me a while, but here we are now.

Ryuji: This is so awesome! Hey, you want to meet the rest of our friends?

Sophia: Yes. I would like that very much.

Haru: Wonderful! (The group steps aside so their friends could get a better look at Sophia) Everyone, this is our friend Sophia. She was just an AI when we first met her, but her creator, Kuon Ichinose, gave her a physical body so she can be with us.

Ichiro: Whoa! Talk about freaky…uh, I mean that in a good way. Didn't mean to offend you, Sophia.

Sophia: No offense taken soul-patch man.

Ichiro: Please, Mr. Soul-Patch Man was my father. Call me, Ichiro.

Sophia: Ichiro? What a marvelous name, one that means 'first-born son'.

Ichiro: More like 'only born son'. I'm an only child.

As everyone was getting acquainted with Sophia, Kaoru comes back from the buffet table carrying a plate of food.

Kaoru: What's all the excitement? I see everyone gathered here for some rea-Whoa!

Kaoru ends up tripping and spilling his food all over his shirt.

Takeishi: Oh! Clean up on Aisle You!

Sophia sees Kaoru and she goes over to him to help him on his feet.

Sophia: Are you alright?

Kaoru: Uh, yeah, thank you. (He looks at Sophia and blushes from how cute she looks) I, uh, I've never seen you around before. Are you a friend of Ren's?

Sophia: Yes, actually. I was an AI that he found, but when he returned me to my creator, she uploaded me into a physical body so I can live a human life and be with Ren and his friends.

Kaoru: An AI? Wow. That's pretty cool. I-I'm Kaoru.

Sophia: Sophia. (She looks upon Kaoru's face to see his blushing) You're blushing.

Kaoru: Uh, what?!

Sophia: It's said that there are five reasons why humans blush; anger, embarrassment, fear, shyness, or the more likely option, romantic stimulation.

Kaoru: Gah!

Hearing this news makes most of the guys howl with laughter.

Takeishi: No way! Kaoru is actually in love with the AI!

Ryuta: Oh my God! This is priceless!

Sae: Okay, that's enough, everyone! Leave Kaoru alone!

The laughter dies down and Kaoru is now thoroughly embarrassed as Ren rubs his back as a means to show him there's nothing to feel embarrassed about.

Ren: Okay, we've all met Sophia. I think it's high time we get to the party portion of this birthday party!

Yuuki: Good call, Ren!

Ren: Daisuke, hit it!

Daisuke points at Ren before shifting his attention to his turntable. From under the table, he pulls out a record and puts it on the turntable. Within seconds, dance music was blasting through the speakers as Sojiro's 50th birthday party was in full swing.

Futaba: Happy birthday, Sojiro!

Sojiro: Thank you Futaba. Thank you everyone.

Everyone spent most of the day enjoying life and celebrating Sojiro's 50th birthday by dancing to music, eating good food, sharing some laughs, and watching Sojiro open up his gifts. It was a good day for everyone.

…

---

Meanwhile, in another universe.

---

(Slice of Life Universe)

(BGM: 'All Star' by Smash Mouth)

It's morning time in this universe, and we see a 29 year old with straight, medium length black hair and blue eyes. He's wearing black loafers, black pants, a light blue dress shirt with a black tie, and, of course, a long white lab coat to tie everything together. It's the one and only Minato Amamiya!

Minato is currently riding a train to his job where he was the doctor at his very own clinic. He had his brown doctor's bag next to him and he was currently sipping on some coffee while looking at his social media feed to see what his friends have been up to. As he does this, we hear him start narrating.

Minato (v.o): Yup, that's me, Minato Amamiya. The son of Ren and Ann Amamiya, two of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. I really couldn't have picked a more badass pair of parents even if I tried. My friends, my sister, and I had no idea that they, and by extension their friends, were Phantom Thieves until we were well in our twenties. Hell, six years have passed since that reveal and I'm still in shock. Speaking of which, my friends and I have pretty much been living our best lives since the last time you saw us.

---

(Montage begins)

In the first part of this montage we see Minato holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony for his new medical clinic that he opened after his goodwill trip to Africa.

After that, we see Kimiko (25) and Hotaru (28) accepting their awards for 'Best Actress' and 'Best Director' at the Japanese Academy Awards where in the audience we see Kimiko and Hotaru's friends and family, Kimiko's husband Kaito (26) and their twin boys Akira (2) and Tats (2) as well as Hotaru's wife Himari (28) and their daughter Hibiki (3) being among the crowd.

Next we see Kaito being presented with a science award for discovering a new planet. After that, we see Himari taking on the role of Shujin Academy's Tennis Coach before we see her competing in a tennis tournament where she won first place.

Over these clips we hear Minato narrating.

Minato (v.o): After I came home from my goodwill mission to Africa with Dr. Takemi, I managed to open up my own clinic where I followed in the footsteps of my mentor and became one of the most beloved citizens in the city. Meanwhile my sister Kimiko and my dear friend Hotaru have been making waves in the film industry by being an amazing actress and director respectively. As for their spouses, Kaito and Himari respectively, they're making us proud in their own way. All those night going stargazing paid off for Kaito as he discovered a new planet in a galaxy far far away, while Himari used her love for tennis to become Shujin Academy's newest tennis coach. And when she's not teaching tennis, she's playing it by competing in competitions, usually coming out with some kind of trophy or medal.

In these next clips, we see Nariko (28) opening up her very own bakery before we see her taking a tray of cupcakes from the oven and placing them in a display case for people to admire and potentially buy.

After that we see Riku and Mai Mishima (both 27) presenting their latest video game at the Video Game Awards. The video game appeared to be a first person shooter and the head of the ceremony presented the twins with trophies of their very own.

From there we see Kasumi 'Kas' Tanaka (27) as she competes in a wrestling match as 'Lumber-Jacqueline'. She manages to pin her opponent and in the end she's the proud winner of the Championship Belt. Kas holds the belt high with pride as everyone cheers for her.

After that, we see Mitsu (27) performing with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, and everyone applauds for her as she takes a bow. From there we see Mana (27) helping Haru (50s) at her cafe before we cut to her presenting an abstract painting that she made at an art gallery. Like before, Minato is heard narrating over these events.

Minato (v.o): Nariko opened up her own bakery and is starting to bring home the dough. Riku and Mai started their own indie game company, and their very first game turned out to be a roaring success. Kas is kicking ass and taking names as Lumber-Jacqueline. And my two lady loves, Mana and Mitsu, are doing wonderful. Mitsu is now a part of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, and Mana helps her mother at her cafe by day, and becomes one of Tokyo's best painters by night. She really takes after her father.

The montage isn't done yet as we see Yutaka Watanabe (16) and Nayoko Hashimoto (16) being presented with certificates that state that they're on the 'Principal's Honor Roll' for getting good grades. As a reward, Yutaka is gifted with a white puppy that he named Haku.

We then see Akihiro (32) with his crew mates pulling up a huge net full of fish as the raven haired fisherman looks on in pride.

Then we see Wataru (29) performing a concert at Nippon Budokan stadium. All of Minato's friends and family are there cheering him on as he sings.

Minato (v.o): My father, Uncle Ryuji, and Uncle Yusuke were all sperm donors once, and their children are doing great. Yutaka and his friend Nayoko are on the Principal's Honor Roll at Shujin Academy, and Uncle Ryuta and Auntie Sae even gave Yutaka a puppy as a congratulatory present. My half brother Akihiro's fishing business is booming compared to when we first met him. And Wataru is selling out shows all over the world. His singing career has really taken off.

Finally, we see this universe's version of Ren and his friends, all of whom are in their 50s. With the girls of this group, that being Ann, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, Sumire, Sadayo, Sae, Shiho, and Hifumi, they are seen pampering themselves in the bathhouse; The women are talking like hens cackling in a henhouse, and even sharing a laugh here or there. With the guys of the group, that being Ren, Ryuji, Yusuke, Yuuki, Daisuke, Ryuta, Yamato, Hayato, and Ichiro, they are competing in a 'Hot Wing Eating Competition' at Hideyoshi's Smokehouse. Most of them are doubled over in pain or gulping down gallons of water/milk, but Ren manages to eat one last wing, giving him the win.

After that we see everyone having a picnic at Inokashira Park, just enjoying the day and each other's company.

Minato (v.o): As for how our parents have been doing over these last few years. They've been enjoying life as much as we have. It's amazing how after all these years, and despite being in their 50s, they have the attitude and outlook of folks in their twenties. And ever since me and my friend had our kids, they've really warmed up to the idea of being grandparents.

(End montage)

---

We see Minato getting off of his train before walking down the street towards his clinic, a smile on his face.

Minato (v.o): It seemed like all of our lives couldn't get any sweeter. But if you know life and how cruel of a mistress she can be, then you should also know that she's never short of any curve balls worth throwing at you.

('All Star' fades out)

As Minato continues to walk down the street, he can see his clinic in the distance. Before he could advance any further, however, a sound came from his phone.

Minato: What's this now?

Minato takes his phone out from his pocket when he finds the sudden appearance of a new app; one with a picture of a red and black eye with a star in place of a pupil; the MetaNav logo! Curious, Minato clicks on the app, causing the icon to expand and a woman's voice was heard through the speakers.

Voice: Beginning navigation.

Suddenly the world around Minato turned red and everything seemed to stop. Minato took a look around before he spotted something in the distance. Down the road from where he stood, a blue flame started to grow. Minato carefully walked up to the flame before it exploded into a spout of blue fire, bringing the raven harried man to the ground as he scooted away from it, in fear that he'd get burned.

When the fire spout subsided, all that remained was a fiery silhouette. The silhouette was taller than Minato and had a masculine body structure. Thai silhouette had what looked like long hair on his head, and Minato could make out what looked like a loin cloth covering this figure's lower half, a sash draped around his torso, and a headband around his forehead. Thesilhouette then formed a spear out of thin air and pointed it at Minato, opening his fiery red eyes at him in the process.

Minato stared back at the figure, and before he knew it…the figure disappeared, the world around him returned to normal, and time went back to its original pace.

Minato took a good look around at his surroundings to get his bearings straight, and then he looked down at his phone, staring at the MetaNav application in both fear and wonderment.

Minato: (Still staring at the app) What are you…

Before he could think about the events that transpired any further, he looked up at the corner of his phone to see that it was almost time to open the clinic up. He'd be late if he didn't get up and hurry to the clinic, so that's what he did. He ran to his clinic at top speeds, and opened it, ready to accept both walk-ins and folks who scheduled an appointment.

---

Later in the day, Minato is seen talking with one of his patients at the clinic.

Minato: Thanks for coming in Mr. Furukawa. Have there been any problems with your knee after I gave you those pills that I prescribed to you.

Furukawa: No, Dr. Amamiya, my knee is doing just fine. (Cough) I just have this tickle in my throat and I keep coughing. (Cough) It's been like this for the last two months or so and I've tried everything I could to get rid of it. (Cough) I just-

As Furukawa keeps talking about his cough, Minato ends up daydreaming about the mysterious application on his phone and what that figure in the blue fire could possibly mean.

Minato: That application, and that fiery…thing. Just what are they? Could someone have hacked my phone? No, that's impossible! How would time be able to slow down like that? None of this makes sense. Of course, the app did have the same color scheme and style as the Phantom Thief logo that my dad has. Could it be something related to the Phantom Thieves? I'd better ask my dad later when I go to Auntie Haru's birthday party.

Furukawa: You alright?

Minato: Huh? What?

Furukawa: You looked like you were daydreaming on me. I wasn't sure if you were paying attention or not.

Minato: Oh, I'm sorry Mr. Furukawa. My mother-in-law is having her birthday later today and I was trying to figure out what to get her, that's all.

Furukawa: You can never go wrong with a gift card. You know what they say, money is the right size and the right color.

Minato: True. Anyway, you said you were having problems with a cough. (Grabs his stethoscope as Furukawa takes off his shirt so Minato could get to work) Let me take a listen. I just need you to take a nice deep breath for me.

---

Later at Cafe Kitamura, the likes of the Amamiyas, the Kitagawas, the Sakamotos, the Mishimas, the Watanabes, the Yajimas, the Tanakas, the Hagiwaras, the Hashimotos, and Wataru are all gathered to celebrate Haru's birthday. We take a look at different parts of the party to see what some of these guys are up to.

Six year old Masaru Hagiwara is leading Soji Mishima, Tsumugi Tanaka, Sayuri Amamiya, and Hibiki Yajima towards the dessert table so they could steal some treats. The five youngsters slowly creep towards the dessert table, and they're about to grab some cookies when they're stopped by Akihiro Hagiwara.

Akihiro: Sorry kids, no treats before dinner.

The five kids pout and walk away, disappointed that they've been caught. Once Akihiro is certain that the kids have gone elsewhere, he quickly grabs a cookie from the table and shoves it into his mouth before going elsewhere.

In another part of the party, Mana and Mitsu are talking with their half-brother Wataru as their daughter Sayuri comes over to be with them. Mitsu is currently holding hers and Minato's baby, Haruto, in her arms.

Mana: It's been too long, Wataru.

Wataru: I know. The life of a singer isn't as glamorous as T.V and magazines make it out to be. Always forced to go out of town, going to a new location every day, and anytime you are home you have to practice for hours on end to the point where you barely get to see the people closest to you. I'm just glad I got the green light for a month-long break so I can relax and hang out with my two half sisters and their kids.

Sayuri: I missed you Uncle Wataru.

Wataru: I missed you too, little Sayuri.

Sayuri gives Wataru a hug…which makes Wataru a little nervous.

Wataru: Uh, just a fist bump is okay, if you don't mind.

Sayuri: Oh, okay. (She fist bumps Wataru before walking off elsewhere)

Mitsu: What's wrong, Wataru? You're afraid of a little hug from your half-niece?

Wataru: Don't take it personal, girls. It's just that little kids carry a lot of germs and I can't risk getting sick. It could potentially put a damper on my career plans moving forward.

Mana: Sayuri really doesn't get sick that often, Wataru. You have nothing to be afraid of.

Wataru: Still though, I'd rather be safe than sorry.

In another part of the party, the likes of Sadayo, Yamato, Sae, Ryuta, and Makoto are watching Yutaka and Nayoko conversing and telling each other some jokes.

Yutaka: I had an ex-girlfriend once upon a time, and I told her that she should embrace her mistakes…so in response, she gave me a hug.

Nayoko: (Chuckles) That's a good one, Yutaka, but I've got a better one. Ahem…why did the scarecrow receive an award? Because he was outstanding in his field!

Yutaka: (Guffaws) I love it! (High fives Nayoko)

Makoto (SoL): Those two really do look cute together. At this point it's basically a matter of 'when' rather than 'if' they get together.

Ryuta (SoL): They haven't spent a day apart since they first met. And I'll be honest, the more the two of them hang out together the more I warm up to the idea of them becoming an item.

Sadayo (SoL): I wouldn't mind having Yutaka for a son-in-law one day. (Turns to Ryuta and Sae) You two did a wonderful job raising him.

Sae (SoL): And you and Yamato did a great job with raising Nayoko.

In another part of the party, Himari is watching Hotaru and their daughter Hibiki. Hotaru had two cups of fruit punch in his possession, and he gave one to Hibiki. Hibiki thanks her father before they do a 'cheers' and drink upon their cups. Himari smiles at the site of her husband and daughter bonding, but then she frowns with a guilty look upon her face. Riku, Mai, and Kas see Himari and they go over to talk with her.

Mai: He's going to find out eventually, Himari. It would be in both of your best interests if you tell him sooner rather than later or he'll resent you forever.

Himari: I know. But telling Hotaru about what I did isn't exactly the easiest thing in the world. It would break his heart in the worst possible way, and he doesn't deserve that.

Riku: Well you should've thought about that before you went ahead and-

Kas shuts Riku up by elbowing him in the ribs.

Kas: You're not exactly helping, Riku.

Riku: I'm just saying that Himari made her bed, now she has to sleep in it.

Himari: You're right, Riku. I really messed up big time. And I know I have to tell Hotaru soon…I'm just really not looking forward to the aftermath of it all.

She continues looking at Hotaru and Hibiki bond. Hibiki drank her fruit punch too fast and has a 'fruit punch mustache' on her upper lip. Hotaru is showing Hibiki how to properly clean her face, and when she does it successfully, Hotaru gives her a thumbs up and a toothy grin causing her to giggle.

Finally, we cut to Minato hanging out with his parents, Ren and Ann, his sister Kimiko and her family, husband Kaito, sons Tats and Akira, and pet cat Morgana, as well as his parents-in-law, Yusuke and Haru. Kimiko is holding Tats while Ann is holding Akira.

Haru (SoL): Thank you all for throwing me this wonderful birthday party. I'm so lucky to have such great friends like you guys.

Kimiko: Think nothing of it, Auntie Haru. You're a great person, and great people deserve great things.

Yusuke (SoL): That's right, darling. You deserve this party and then some.

Haru (SoL): Thank you, sweetie. (She hugs her husband before whispering in his ear) Will I be getting something special from you later tonight?

Yusuke (SoL): I bought a bottle of Takemi's Love Potion for that very reason.

Haru (SoL): Perfect! (Kisses her husband before they turn their attention back to the other six with them)

Ren (SoL): I'd better go get the cake ready.

Minato: Mind if I come with you dad?

Ren (SoL): Sure. Follow me.

Minato follows his father into the kitchen where the cake is. Once inside the kitchen, Ren takes a beautiful cake with white frosting, red flowers, and a picture of Haru herself, out from the fridge. He places the cake on the table as Minato hands him some candles to put on it. As Ren took the candles from his son, he noticed that he seemed troubled about something.

Ren (SoL): Everything okay, son? I haven't seen you look this troubled since you stumbled upon mine and your mother's…ahem…'naughty tape'.

Minato: Yeah, why did you two decide to make that thing again?

Ren (SoL): Your mother got very curious to see how she and I looked when we'd…you know.

Minato: Unfortunately I do.

Ren (SoL): And besides you should know better than I do that when you're in your twenties and horny, you're willing to try anything with your partner to see what sticks.

Minato: Why are we having this conversation? Don't you want to know what's wrong with me?

Ren (SoL): What's on your mind, Minato?

Minato: Well, dad, earlier today a new app just randomly appeared on my phone.

Ren (SoL): New app?

Minato: Yeah, let me show you.

Minato takes his phone out from his pocket and shows his father the app that appeared on his phone. Ren takes a closer look at it and gasps.

Minato: You know what that is?

Ren (SoL): I do. It's the MetaNav. I used to use this app all the time back when your mother and I were Phantom Thieves. It was how we'd gain access to the Metaverse so we could go about our business.

Minato: But what's it doing on my phone?

Ren (SoL): I don't know, Minato. (Ren takes out his own phone to see if he got the Metaverse app back on his phone, which he doesn't) I don't seem to have the app back on my phone. Could the Metaverse have opened back up again?

Minato: You're asking me? This is your wheelhouse.

Ren (SoL): Did anything happen when you clicked on the MetaNav?

Minato: Well, when I clicked on it, time just seemed to stop. Then the next thing I know this strange figure appeared out of a pillar of blue flame. But after that, it disappeared and the world went back to normal.

Ren's eyes widened as he remembered what happened when the MetaNav app appeared on his phone. The same thing had happened where time slowed down and a pillar of fire revealed his Persona, Arsene.

Minato: If this Metaverse really did open back up, then why didn't the app appear back on your phone? What's it doing on mine? I know next to nothing about 'Phantom Thievery'.

Ren (SoL): I wish I could tell you, Minato, but I just don't have an answer right now.

Minato looks at the app on his phone for a few seconds before putting the phone back in his pocket.

Minato: Maybe this is some kind of mistake. Maybe whoever sent me this app meant to send it to someone else.

Ren (SoL): If the app was sent to your phone Minato, I don't think it was by mistake. It had to have been sent to you for a reason. While that reason remains unclear at the moment, I can assure you that it wasn't a mistake.

Minato: What makes you so sure?

Ren (SoL): Because I thought the exact same things when the app appeared on my phone. Mark my words, Minato. This is only the beginning of an unforgettable journey for you.

Minato: If you say so, dad.

Ann (SoL): (From outside) Ren, Minato, is everything okay in there? You've been in there for a while.

Ren (SoL): In a minute, Ann! (Faces Minato as he picks up the cake) Well, they're waiting for us. Ready to give your mother-in-law a happy birthday?

Minato: You bet.

Ren and Minato take the cake out the main party area, and everyone is heard cheering, ready to sing 'Happy Birthday' to Haru and eat a delicious and beautifully prepared baked good.

…

---

Meanwhile, in a third universe

---

(The Lonely Thief Universe)

We cut to a bedroom in an apartment somewhere in Tokyo. The first thing we hear is the buzzing of an alarm clock and the person underneath the covers of the bed reaching to turn it off. When the alarm is shut off, the person under the covers reveals himself to be Goro Akechi. He rubs the sleep from his eyes and stretches his arms before getting out of bed to start the day.

(BGM: 'Creep' by Radiohead)

Akechi walks over to his nightstand where his phone is charging. He picks it up to see a message from Kunikazu Okumura that reads: 'Wakaba and I are going to Hideyoshi's Smokehouse for lunch. You in?'

Akechi finishes reading the text, lets out a depressed sigh, and replies back with 'Sure'. As Akechi strips out of his pajamas and grabs a towel from a closet before walking down the hall to the bathroom, we hear him narrating.

Akechi (v.o): There I am; Goro Akechi, the Second Coming of the Detective Prince. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

After that, Akechi is seen taking a shower…well, not so much taking a shower as he is letting the water wash over him as he stares down at the drain.

Akechi (v.o): Now, I'm still interested in law enforcement, make no mistake. But I'm noticeably less chipper than I once was. That's because about ten years ago I lost a group of the best friends that I've ever had; The Phantom Thieves of Hearts.

---

(Begin montage)

At the start of this montage, we see Akechi as Crow single handedly changing the hearts of Junya Kaneshiro, Kazuya Makigami, and even his father Masayoshi Shido before meeting his universe's version of Ren, Ryuji, Ann, Morgana, Yusuke, Futaba, Haru, and Makoto and dealing with their respective oppressors; Suguru Kamoshida, Ichiryusai Madarame, Mr. and Mrs. Magario, Kunikazu Okumura, and Principal Kobayakawa.

Akechi (v.o): It's crazy to think that I was given the power to wield a Persona all those years ago. I wished to do good with this new power, but my father wanted to use me for his own purposes. Wishing to be the hero that the world deserved, I rebelled against my father and changed his heart before doing the same with the other members of his 'Anti-Social Force'. This led me to my encounters with Ren Amamiya, Ryuji Sakamoto, Ann Takamaki, a cute cat creature named Morgana, Yusuke Kitagawa, Futaba Sakura, Haru Okumura, and the younger sister of my former colleague, Makoto Niijima. Together we made up the band of rebels known as 'The Phantom Thieves of Hearts', and we were making Tokyo a better place to live in by changing one heart at a time. We even changed Kunikazu's heart and he started to have a more positive relationship with his daughter, Haru…too bad it couldn't have lasted a moment longer.

We then cut to the group of Phantom Thieves as they're seen in Mementos doing battle against a monster wearing a torn and tattered white, bloodstained coat with gold buttons, an iron mask covering his whole face with only two red eyes being its noticeable facial feature, four gold chains around it, had it had six arms instead of two. The two upper arms and the two lower arms were holding long barreled revolvers, the middle two arms were muscular and holding nothing. The last standout feature on this new enemy were purple and red dragon-like wings on its back…this monster is the Grand Reaper, and one by one all of the Thieves perished against it with the sole exception being Akechi himself.

Akechi (v.o): While training in Mementos to take out the last of the Anti-Social Force, we ran into a monster that we've never seen before, one that I've dubbed 'The Grand Reaper'. One after another, my friends fell to this beast, dying in some of the most inhumane ways I could possibly imagine. I managed to make it out alive, but it didn't erase the pain I felt. I had lost the only friends I had in this world; the only people who truly cared about me, gone!

(End montage)

---

Akechi is now out of the shower, getting dressed in his blue sweater vest with the long sleeve gray undershirt, light brown pants, and dark brown loafers. He then makes his way out the door and towards Hideyoshi's Smokehouse to meet Kunikazu and Wakaba.

Akechi (v.o): That was well over 10 years ago, and to this day I never found the courage to put myself out there and make friends again. I completely shut myself down. I just can't go through another painful loss like that again. Kunikazu and Wakaba try and get me to open up every now and again by taking me out to lunch, but it's a fruitless endeavor on their part. Now, before any of you say anything, I ask that you don't fret for me…you get used to being alone after a while.

('Creep' fades out)

---

A few moments later, Akechi makes it to Hideyoshi's Smokehouse. He walks through the front door and is met with a waiter when he steps inside.

Akechi: Hi, Goro Akechi. I believe there are two people waiting for me?

Waiter: Of course. Right this way Mr. Akechi.

The waiter guides Akechi to his seat where Kunikazu Okumura and Wakaba Isshiki are seen waiting for him. They were sitting in a booth seat near the window. Akechi takes a seat next to Kunikazu as the waiter places a menu in front of him before leaving to tend to another table.

Akechi: What's shaking?

Kunikazu: You tell us? Have you at least been trying to put yourself out there again?

Akechi: My answer is the same as it has been for the last ten years, Kunikazu.

Kunikazu: I'll take that as a no.

Wakaba: Goro, this isn't healthy. I know you're broken up about the death of your friends, but there's nothing you can do about it now. They would want you to open yourself up and make new friends.

Kunikazu: That's right.

Akechi: You two are acting like the deaths of Futaba and Haru haven't affected you guys at all.

Wakaba: That's where you're wrong, Goro. Their deaths still hurt to this day, yes, but we know crying about it won't solve anything. Futaba and Haru would want us to live our lives to the fullest, and we try to do that every day.

Akechi: Congratulations, you two are more mentally strong than I am.

Kunikazu: Goro, we're humans. Humans are social creatures. And as such, we need to be able to communicate with others. We're just worried about you, that's all.

Akechi: Well don't worry about me. This is my life to live, and I'd appreciate it if you two would butt out of my business.

Kunikazu: You know, dealing with the death of my daughter hasn't exactly been that easy either. After her mother died from giving birth to her, I felt like Haru was all I had left in the world. But somewhere along the way, I let greed and power get the better of me, causing me to lose sight of what's most important in life. I have you, her, and all of your friends to thank for helping me realize the error of my ways. My only regret now is that I didn't get to show Haru that I could be the good father that I was before I let corporate greed get to me. (He hangs his head in sorrow) So many things left undone and unsaid.

Wakaba: Being without my daughter hasn't been a walk in the park, either. Much like with Kunikazu and Haru, Futaba was all I had in this world, and after meeting Sojiro Sakura it felt like we'd have what everyone deserves; a loving family. But after her death, I found myself growing further and further apart from him, and it got to the point where I called off our relationship. Sojiro was by no means a bad man as he did everything he could to perk up my mood after Futaba's death. It's just that I needed some space, but that decision cost me probably the best man I've ever known. Every now and again I feel tempted to reach out to him so we could try and patch things up, but I probably hurt him so bad that he doesn't even want to talk to me.

Kunikazu: The only way you know for sure is if you pick up the phone and call him yourself.

Wakaba: I know. I'm just so afraid to face him after writing him out of my life all those years ago.

Kunikazu: Sounds like we all have room for growth.

Akechi: You're not going to be seeing any growth out of me.

Kunikazu: Can you at least try to for us? In fact, let's make a pact. From henceforth, the three of us are going to live our best possible lives. Let's become the best versions of ourselves. Then, when we pass on to the other side, we'll not only die with no regrets, but Haru, Futaba, and all of their friends will be there waiting for us with open arms.

Wakaba: Let's do it!

Akechi: (Sigh) Whatever.

Kunikazu holds up his water glass as Wakaba and a reluctant Akechi do the same thing.

Kunikazu: To better lives!

Wakaba: To better lives!

Akechi, Kunikazu, and Wakaba clink their water glasses together before taking a hearty gulp. It was clear to Akechi that Kunikazu and Wakaba are ready to move on…but he's not so sure if he's ready to do so just yet, no matter how many times they try to convince him.

This universe is truly the darkest timeline.

---

(Later that night in the Canon Universe)

In Ren and Makoto's house, Ren is seen cleaning up the last of the dishes before putting it on the drying rack. He looks next to him to see Morgana walking up to him.

Morgana: It's getting late, Ren. You and Makoto really should be heading off to bed.

Ren: We will, Morgana, thank you. I just hope Makoto isn't working too hard.

Ren walks to the office where he sees a very tired Makoto looking over photographs, records, and security footage, which she downloaded onto a USB so she could review the footage at home, of Daiki Sugimura. Makoto wanted to see if his escape was planned out or if he was behaving differently. Makoto yawned as she rewound the security footage and Ren walked up behind her to rub her shoulders as she sat in her chair.

Ren: You've been working hard all day, babe. You should really get some rest.

Makoto: I just have to try and figure out what happened between the other night and earlier this morning that caused Sugimura to disappear. Nobody just disappears out of thin air like that, and nobody disappears without leaving a trace. Something strange is going on here, and I'm going to figure it out.

Ren: You can figure it out tomorrow when you're well rested, Makoto. I don't want you to be overworked. That's how you get sick.

Makoto: (Sigh) Alright, Ren, I'll take a break for the night. Under the sole condition that you cuddle me as I fall asleep.

Ren: Whatever you say, my little spoon.

Makoto: Could you carry me up to our room, big spoon?

Ren: Gladly.

Ren scoops Makoto up in his arms and he carries her up to their bedroom for a good night's sleep.

Once they were in their room, the couple got dressed in their pajamas before getting in bed and covering themselves up with the blanket, Ren and Makoto spooning all the while.

---

In the middle of the night however, Ren awakens to find himself not in the safe confines of his warm bed with Makoto sleeping beside him. He looks around to see that he's in a place that he hasn't been in for the longest time…the Velvet Room.

Ren: (Gets up from the floor and looks around) What?! The Velvet Room! What am I doing back here?

Lavenza: Hello, Ren Amamiya. (Ren turns around to see Lavenza standing behind him) Or should I say, welcome back to the Velvet Room, Joker.

Ren: Lavenza?! What am I doing here? I thought the Metaverse was closed up for good.

Lavenza: We thought so too. But it turns out there's more to the Metaverse than we originally thought.

Ren: What do you mean? And where's Igor?

Lavenza: Before I explain what's going on, allow me to introduce you to your future partners in crime.

Suddenly, Ren heard the sound of footsteps approaching from the hallways on either side of him. The footsteps grew louder until the figures revealed themselves as Goro Akechi and Minato Amamiya. Ren looks over at Akechi and his eyes widen in surprise just as Akechi does the same.

Ren: Akechi!

Akechi: Ren!

Minato: Father?

Ren: (Turns to face Minato) Father?! I don't even know who you are! And I thought Akechi was long dead!

Akechi: I was going to say the same about you!

Minato: What's happening here? First I get this weird app on my phone, now, in the dark of the night, I get transported here! What is this place?

Lavenza: This, Minato Amamiya, is the Velvet Room; a place that rests on the line between dreams and reality. I am Lavenza, one of the Velvet Room's assistants and one of Igor's most trusted servants. I've called the three of you here from your respective universes so that we may address a very serious matter.

Ren: What's going on?

Lavenza: As you know, Ren, your version of the Metaverse has been closed off, much like the other Phantom Thieves have closed off their own respective versions of the Metaverse.

Ren: There's more than one version of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts?

Minato: Lavenza, are you telling us that there's a multiverse out there?

Lavenza: Precisely. But the one thing that sets Ren's Metaverse apart from all of the other ones is that years ago, a mysterious man suddenly appeared in it. If we fast forward to the last time Ren's Metaverse was closed off, the mysterious man stumbled upon the very thing that made the creation of the Metaverses possible; the Construct Crystal.

Minato: The Construct Crystal! (He gets a brief flashback to 'Now What?' when one of the customers at Cafe Kitamura lectured him about nine powerful crystals, The Construct Crystal being one of them) The Multiverse. The Overseer Crystals. They're all real!

Lavenza: They're as real as you and me, Minato. Anyway, this mysterious man took the power of the Construct Crystal for himself and he created a brand new Metaverse, bringing in Shadows from all across the Multiverse to do his bidding, and as a result, he's earned the title of 'Father of Shadows'. My master Igor tried to reason with the Father of Shadows, but I haven't seen or heard from him since then. I can only assume the worst had happened. I told Philemon, the very being who is responsible for why you have Personas, about Igors disappearance, and he created an army of Poppets, creatures very similar to Morgana, to do battle with the Father of Shadows and his armies. Unfortunately, they too have been defeated.

Akechi: What does this Father of Shadows want?

Lavenza: I don't know yet, but he poses a threat regardless of his intentions. Ren, Akechi, Minato. You three and your friends are the only ones we can count on now.

Ren: I understand.

Minato: Just one problem, miss. My friend and I don't know the first thing about being Phantom Thieves. I think you've picked the wrong people for the job.

Lavenza: That's where you're wrong, Minato. Over the years, I've been secretly monitoring you and your friends as you live your lives in your universe. I can tell just by looking at you that you're more than ready to answer this call.

Minato: You have a lot of faith in me and my friends, Lavenza. I don't know whether to be proud and scared out of my mind.

Lavenza: I know I've picked the right people for the job. You just have to believe in yourself, Minato. (Minato still looks unsure) Anyway, I'll try and gather the rest of the Phantom Thieves from all across the Multiverse to lend a hand for the big battle against the Father of Shadows. But for right now, the responsibility of taking out his minions and bringing down his Fortresses falls on your shoulders. The fate of the multiverse is at stake. We need all hands on deck…even your friends who aren't Phantom Thieves and don't have Personas yet.

Ren: This really must be serious.

Lavenza: Tell all your friends to pack up for a long journey. I'll reinstall the MetaNav on yours and Akechi's phones, Ren. Once you've gathered all of your friends, enter the keywords of 'Father of Shadows, Dictator, All of Japan, and New World'. After that, the rest is up to you. I know you all will do what's right.

With that Lavenza disappears in a ball of light as Ren, Akechi, and Minato stare off after her as she floats away.

---

(Canon Universe)

The next morning, back in Ren and Makoto's bedroom, Makoto wakes up to find that she's not in her boyfriend's warm embrace anymore. She looks around the bedroom to find him staring out the window.

Makoto: Ren?

Ren: I was in the Velvet Room last night, Makoto. (He turns to face her) We've got to round everybody up…even those who don't have Personas. Tell them to pack for a long journey and call in for personal days.

Makoto: (Nods) Okay.

---

(Lonely Thief Universe)

Akechi wakes up in bed and looks around to find that he's back in his room in his apartment. He lets Lavenzas words sink in before he gets out of bed and goes over to his phone to text Kunikazu and Wakaba.

The text reads; 'Meet me at my place ASAP! We need to talk. Pack for a long journey'.

---

(Slice of Life Universe)

At Minato, Mana, and Mitsu's house, Minato is seen talking with his wives as they prepare breakfast in the kitchen. Baby Haruto is sitting in his high chair sucking on a bottle while Sayuri was in the living room watching cartoons.

Mana: You're pulling our legs, babe.

Minato: Mana, Mitsu, I swear to you two I'm not lying. I was in the Velvet Room that our parents talked so much about. And speaking of our parents, there was another version of my dad there. He looked to be about our age. And there was another version of that Akechi guy that Uncle Ryuji talked crap about. I've never lied to you girls about anything for as long as we've known each other. You've got to believe me.

Mitsu: So let me get this straight. You had a dream where you went to the Velvet Room, learned about a multiverse because another version of Akechi and Uncle Ren was there, and this lady named Lavenza basically said we were the chosen ones meant to save all worlds?

Minato: That's right, Mitsu!

…

…

Mitsu: (Points an accusatory finger at Minato) You've been at that rum candy again, haven't you?

Minato: (Groans) I swear on everything I own I'm not making this up. In fact, I told my dad about this at Auntie Haru's birthday party yesterday.

Mana: (Teasingly) You mean your dad from this universe or the other dad from your dream?

Minato: Very funny Mana. But I told him about what was going on. I am going to call him, my mom and their friends, and they are going to meet us at Inokashira Park with us and our friends, and I'll prove to you that I'm not lying to you. Starting calling our friends up, girls! Tell them to pack their bags! Adventure awaits!

Mana: Whatever you say, Minny.

Mitsu: I'd better start by calling Kimiko. (She picks up the phone and dials Kimiko's number)

---

Meanwhile at Kaito and Kimiko's house, the two of them are in their swimsuits, cuddled in the hot tub as Kaito gets off the phone with his mother, Shiho.

Kaito: Thanks for looking after Tats and Akira, last night mom. We'll come by later today and pick them up. Love you. (Hangs up)

Kimiko: How are our boys doing?

Kaito: They were very well behaved for their grandparents, babe, but they miss their parents very much.

Kimiko: Yeah, I miss my babies too. But we've really earned some alone time with each other.

Kaito: We really have. You know, we don't have to pick up the boys until later this afternoon? You up for a quickie?

Kimiko: As long as it's not too quick. I want to enjoy every moment.

Kimiko and Kaito begin making out in the warm water; wrapped in each other's embrace as they engage in their game of tonsil hockey. After a while though, Kimiko moves over to a red button on the edge of the hot tub which controls the bubbles. She turns it on before turning to Kaito with a smile on her face. Kaito opens his arms up for Kimiko to come back to him and she gets so excited that she practically pounces on him…which resulted in Kimiko crashing into her husband, leaving him with a bruise on his forehead.

Kaito: (Puts his hand over his forehead) Ow!

Kimiko: Oh, I'm sorry, Kaito! I didn't mean to hurt you.

Kaito: It's fine. I know it was an accident. (Removes his hand to reveal a small bruise) Does it look bad?

Kimiko doesn't say anything. Instead she goes over to her husband, and lovingly kisses his forehead. As Kimiko continues to kiss Kaito's 'boo-boo', the two of them submerge themselves into the water. Not long after that, however, the phone started to ring again, so they quickly resurfaced so they could answer it. Kimiko got to the phone first and she picked it up.

Kimiko: Hello…Mitsu, what's going on…Inokashira Park as soon as we can…alright, we'll be there. (Hangs up) Lovin' is going to have to wait, babe. Mitsu just called a meeting and she told us to grab anything we might need for what she described as 'a long journey'.

Kaito: That's odd. Did she say what this long journey was about?

Kimiko: No, but it must be serious. Come on, babe, we've got to get ready.

Kaito: Alright.

Kimiko and Kaito get out of the hot tub so they can prepare themselves for whatever 'long journey' awaits them.

---

(Lonely Thief Universe)

Akechi is seen pacing back and forth in the living room of his apartment when he hears a sound from his phone. Akechi takes his phone out to find that Lavenza had sent him the MetaNav app like she said she would. He stared at the app for a few seconds, a look of trauma on his face, before he heard a knock at his door. Akechi goes to answer it and there he found Kunikazu and Wakaba, both carrying backpacks with whatever supplies they think they need.

Wakaba: What's going on, Goro?

Akechi: Come inside and I'll explain everything to you. (Wakaba and Kunikazu enter Akechi's apartment and they take a seat on his couch while Akechi himself sits on the lounge chair across from them) As the two of you know, I was a member of the Phantom Thieves of Heart.

Kunikazu: Yes, but what does that have to do with us being here?

Akechi: I know this is going to be hard to believe, but I had a dream last night where I received a message. The Metaverse, the very realm where me and my friends went about our business, has opened back up thanks to the machinations of a man known as 'The Father of Shadows'. I don't know what this man wants, but apparently he can potentially be a huge threat to all of us. The message stated that I must go back into the new Metaverse and to bring whatever friends I had to help out.

Wakaba: You mean us, right?

Akechi: (Nods) I know this sounds far fetched, but you've got to believe me. (He takes his phone out to show them the MetaNav) This is the application that my friends and I used to go to and from the Metaverse. Kunikazu, you should remember this app. After all, I showed it to you when your daughter and I revealed ourselves to be Phantom Thieves.

Kunikazu: I remember. (Akechi puts his phone away) So, it's basically up to the three of us to save the world, is what you're saying?

Akechi: Not just our world, but all other worlds.

Wakaba: You mean like a multiverse?

Akechi: Exactly. Again, I know it sounds weird, but this is actually happening. So, what do you say? Do you two want to help me save a couple of worlds…as…f-friends?

Wakaba and Kunikazu smile upon hearing Akechi say that. They look at each other before looking back at Akechi.

Kunikazu: We're in!

---

(Slice of Life Universe)

At Inokashira Park, we see Minato, Mana, Mitsu, Sayuri, and Haruto waiting for the rest of their friends and family to arrive. Minato, Mana, and Mitsu have backpacks with them as they continue to scan the area for the rest of their group. A few minutes later, and everyone shows up, the likes of Himari, Hotaru, Kimiko, Kaito, Nariko, Riku, Mai, Kas, Yutaka, Nayoko, Akihiro, and Wataru carrying bags of their own.

Minato: Thank you all for coming.

Hotaru: What's this all about, Minato?

Minato: Well, Mana and Mitsu don't believe me, but maybe you guys will.

Ryuji (SoL): Believe you about what?

Nariko: What is going on?

Minato: (Takes a deep breath) Well, yesterday I received this app on my phone. The very app that I believe our parents used to travel to the Metaverse, the very place where they became Phantom Thieves. I showed my father the app at Auntie Haru's birthday party yesterday, and he confirmed that it's the real deal.

Ann (SoL): Is that true, Ren?

Ren (SoL): Yes.

Minato: And if that wasn't enough, last night I had a dream where Lavenza came to me and told me that our world, and all other worlds, are in danger.

Yutaka: What do you mean, 'all other worlds'.

Minato: In the Velvet Room with me was another version of my father and this Goro Akechi character that you told us about.

Ryuji (SoL): For real?!

Minato: Mmm-hmm. Lavenza said that there was this figure called 'The Father of Shadows' who created his own Metaverse, and she told me to gather all of my friends so we can go into the Metaverse, team up with Akechi and the other version of my father, and stop him. I know this all sounds crazy, hell even I didn't want to believe any of this, but like it or not this is the reality that we're in. Follow me, don't follow me, I don't care. I just ask that you all believe me.

A moment of silence passes before Kimiko speaks up.

Kimiko: I believe you, Minato. You never had a reason to lie to us all before, so why start now.

Minato: That's what I tried telling Mana and Mitsu, but they wouldn't listen.

Himari: If this Metaverse really does exist, I wouldn't mind seeing it.

Hotaru: Me too. (Takes a handheld camera out from his bag) Good thing I always carry this baby around. If we're going to a strange new world, I want to record every bit of our journey.

One by one the rest of Minato's friend group warm up to the idea of embarking on a new journey, ready to go on the same adventures that their parents did in the days of yore.

Minato: That settles it. We're all in!

Akihiro: You only live life once. I say we live it up right!

Nariko: Just a couple of problems, guys. Unlike our parents, who were teenagers when they ventured into this Metaverse, most of us here are all adults. We have responsibilities that need to be taken care of; our jobs and our kids.

Shiho (SoL): We can look after your kids while you guys are away.

Makoto (SoL): And you all can call in for personal days.

Nariko: Yeah, I guess we can do that.

Ren (SoL): You guys may also find it beneficial to take Morgana with you. Don't forget that he has another form when he enters the Metaverse, and we think he can be of great service to you.

Kimiko: Good idea, dad.

Minato: Alright, guys, let's give ourselves 30 minutes to call in to our jobs and say our goodbyes. After that…we embark!

---

(Canon Universe)

Ren, Morgana, and Makoto are standing in the middle of the street in front of their house as they wait for their large friend group to arrive. The two humans have backpacks full of all of the necessities.

Morgana: I hope they all got your message.

Makoto: Give them time, Morgana. I'm sure they'll be here any moment.

A few moments later, Ren looks in the distance to see their other 31 friends approaching, all with backpacks of their own. Daisuke's backpack is the typical hiking one with frying pans hanging on the bottom, and a sleeping bag rolled up on top.

Ren: Here they come now!

Shinya: Alright, Ren, what's the big emergency?

As everyone gathers around Ren, Makoto, and Morgana, Ryuji's attention briefly shifts towards his girlfriend, Ann. Ann wasn't smiling. In fact she looked sadder than she's ever been. Seeing his girlfriend like this made Ryuji worry.

Ryuji: Hey, babe, are you okay?

Ann: Oh, uh, yeah. I'm fine Ryuji. Just thinking.

Ryuji: About?

Ann: Nothing you need to worry about, Ryuji. It's alright.

Ryuji: Are you sure?

Ann: Yes, I'm fine.

Ryuji still looks unsure as he turns his attention back to Ren, Makoto, and Morgana. Tae sees Ryuji worrying about his girlfriend and gets a sad look on her face as well.

Makoto: Thank you all for coming. Ren has something that he wants to tell you.

Ren: First let me start by saying that Makoto, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Futaba, Haru, Sumire, Zenkichi, Sophia, Toshiro, and I make up the Phantom Thieves of Hearts.

Hearing that made the other 22 Non-Thieves gasp in shock.

Sadayo: I had a hunch that Ren was a member, but I had no idea the rest of you were.

Yuuki: I just want to say, as someone who worked on the Phan-site, I've known this since the beginning.

Takeishi: Nobody cares dude.

Yuuki pouts at Takeishi.

Ryuji: For real, dude?! Why'd you have to go blowing up our spot like that.

Ren: They were going to find out anyway with what I had to say next. Last night, I had a dream where I was in the Velvet Room. Lavenza was there with me, along with Goro Akechi and some young man who claims to be my son.

Naoya: You have a son?

Haru: Akechi is still alive?!

Ren: That's just it. Apparently there's a multiverse out there, and this other Akechi and my apparent son come from other universes that run parallel to this one. That's not even the craziest part. Lavenza told me that a mysterious man known as 'The Father of Shadows' re-opened the Metaverse and kidnapped Igor in the process. Now this Father of Shadows has grown so powerful that he threatens the entirety of the multiverse.

Kazuya: And let me guess, we're the only ones who can stop him?

Makoto: That's the general gist.

Ren: I know this sounds weird, but Lavenza told me to tell you guys so that you can help us.

Ichiro: Well what are we supposed to do? In case you haven't noticed we're not tough, grizzled, Phantom Thieves like you.

Daisuke: It's probably one of those things where we learn on the job.

Ren: So, what do you guys say? Are you all ready for one last adventure in the Metaverse?

Ryuji: You know I'm behind you one hundred percent, Ren!

Futaba: Me too!

Sumire: You can count on me!

Yusuke, Ann, Haru, Toshiro, Zenkichi, and Sophia step up, ready to join their friends on their journey. Ren looks over at the 22 Non-Thieves to see if they're interested.

Ren: What about you guys? You want in?

Kaoru: You're like a big brother to me, Ren. Anywhere you go, I want to go too.

Takeishi: You sure it's not so you can be closer to your AI girlfriend?

Kaoru: Shut it!

Takeishi: Whatever. I'll tag along too.

Nakaoka: Count me in.

Shiho: I wish to come along too. I feel as though I've been weak too often, and this is just what I need to show you how strong I can be.

Sae: I feel like you'd all get yourself killed if you go out there without me, so count me in.

Daisuke, Yuuki, & Ryuta: Us too!

Hayato: (Turns to Hifumi) What do you think, Hifumi? You in the mood to do something crazy?

Hifumi: Life's too short to play it safe. I say we go for it!

Hayato: Alright Ren, count us in!

One by one the other Non-Thieves agree to join Ren and his friends on their journey back to the Metaverse. Ren looks around at all 34 of his friends and smiles to himself.

(BGM: 'I'm Shipping Up to Boston' by Dropkick Murphys)

Ren: Alright, it looks like we're all in!

Ren takes out his phone and sees the MetaNav app back on the home screen. He takes one look at all of his friends as if saying 'Last chance if you want to back out'. All 33 of his friends nod with looks of determination on their faces. Once Ren was sure that he and his friends were on the same page, he turns his attention back to his phone and clicks on the MetaNav app.

---

(The Lonely Thief Universe)

On the rooftop of Akechi's apartment building, Akechi, Zenkichi, and Wakaba enter the scene and stare up at the blue, cloudless sky before looking at each other. The trio gather close to each other as Akechi takes out his phone and selects the MetaNav app. Akechi looks nervous at first before he gets a stoic and determined look on his face.

---

(The Slice of Life Universe)

Minato and his friends are saying their goodbyes to their parents and their children. They really didn't want to say goodbye to them, but they knew that this leave was only temporary. Once all farewells have been said and tears have been shed, the group of 15 plus Morgana head off for a more reclusive part of Inokashira park.

As they leave, the parents and children watch them walk off into the distance, knowing that they'll make them all proud.

Once Minato and company get to a more private area in the park, he takes out his phone and opens up the MetaNav app, ready to enter the keywords that Lavenza gave him…just as Akechi and Ren are doing in their universes.

---

(Canon Universe)

Ren: Father of Shadows…

---

(Lonely Thief Universe)

Akechi: Dictator…

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(Slice of Life Universe)

Minato: All of Japan…

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(Split Screen of All Three Universes)

Ren, Akechi, & Minato: New World!

MetaNav: Beginning navigation!

And just like that, in a matter of seconds, Ren and his friends, Akechi and his two friends, and Minato and his friends disappeared.

A new adventure is underway!

(End 'I'm Shipping Up to Boston')

TO BE CONTINUED…

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(Closing Credits Theme: 'Black Hole Sun' by Soundgarden)

(Opening Instrumentals)

(The camera pans upwards with a nighttime backdrop. We see images of Chikao, Kunikazu/Colonel, Wakaba/Pharaoh, Tae/Raven, Sojiro/Chief, Sputnik/Jinx, Remus/Tricky, Eiko/Jester, and Sadayo/Lady staring up at the night sky)

(In my eyes, indisposed, in disguises no one knows. Hides the face, lies the snake, and the sun in my disgrace)

(As the camera continues to pan up, we see an image of Daisuke/Ace, Himari/Bumblebee, Kimiko/Angel, Kana/Darner, and Ryuta/Owl flying through the air as Hotaru/Feature records them on his camera)

(Boiling heat, summer stench, neath the black the sky looks dead. Call my name through the cream, and I'll hear you scream again)

(As the camera continues to pan upward, we see an image of Sophia/Sophie, Kaoru/Spore, Naoya/Beat, Kazuya/Courage, Sumire/Violet, Ichiro/Hawk, Hifumi/Wraith, and Hayato/Romeo fighting against a small group of shadows)

(Black hole sun, won't you come and wash away the rain? Black hole sun, won't you come, won't you come)

(The camera pans upward some more and we see an image of Toshiro/Patriot, Eri/Partisan, Shinya/Ranger, Akane/Spirit fighting against a Venus Fly Trap Shadow who has the likes of Mana/Shogun, Mitsu/Edgerunner, Akihiro/Mariner, and Wataru/Maestro wrapped up in its vines. As that's going on, Yutaka/Dizzy and Nayoko/Warrioress are roller blading around it in order to get the Shadow wound up)

(Black hole sun, won't you come and wash away the rain? Black hole sun, won't you come, won't you come (Black hole sun, black hole sun)? Won't you come (Black hole sun, black hole sun)? Won't you come (Black hole sun, black hole sun)? Won't you come (Black hole sun, black hole sun)?)

(After another upward pan, we see Mai/Enigma using her Persona to create a replica of the Buster Sword. Mai is seen charging at a Serpopard Shadow alongside Riku/Clockwork, Kas/Crash, Nariko/Mage, Kaito/Professor, Mika/Cheetah, and Old Morana/Old Mona.)

(Another pan up shows Zenkichi/Wolf, Sae/Arbiter, Shiho/Shinobi, Yuuki/Paladin, Takeishi/Coyote, Nakaoka/Diesel, Chihaya/Prophet, and Ichiko/Flapper battling a Shadow Ripper (Based on Jack the Ripper).)

(One more upwards pan and we see the likes of Ryuji/Skull, Morgana/Mona, Ann/Panther, Yusuke/Fox, Makoto/Queen, Futaba/Oracle, and Haru/Noir as they prepare to do battle against Claudette and Sugimura.)

(Closing instrumentals)

(The camera stop panning upwards as we cut to Ren/Joker, Minato/Lion, and Akechi/Crow standing on a mountaintop as they stare at a solar eclipse, where images of Hoshigami and the Falldown Thieves appear, glowering down at them)

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Cultural References:

1: The title of the episode is based on the Charles Dickens Novel, 'A Tale of Two Cities'

2: Tom Jones' song 'Green, Green Grass of Home' plays during the montage of Sugimura in jail.

3: A-ha's 'Take on Me' plays when we see Ren in the Canon Universe

4: Smash Mouth's 'All-Star' plays when we first see Minato in the Slice of Life Universe

5: Radiohead's 'Creep' plays when we first see Akechi in the Lonely Thief Universe

6: The story starting off with a birthday party (Sojiro's for 'Canon' Universe and Haru's for 'Slice of Life' Universe) is similar to how Sonic Generations starts with Sonic's birthday.

7: Canon!Ichiro's story about his gymnastics injury is similar to an injury Owen from Total Drama recounted in the episode 'That's Off the Chain'.

8: The Evil Ren/Joker's reveal is similar to N. Tropy's reveal in the original release of Crash Bandicoot: Warped.

9: The scene where Sophia learns about Karou's feelings for her is similar to a scene from 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' where Mantis reads Quill's feelings for Gamora.

10: When Mitsu says 'You've been at that rum candy again', to Minato, she's referencing a line spoken by Ralph Kramden in the Honeymooners episode 'Alice and the Blonde'.

11: Kimiko and Kaito's make out session in the hot tub is based on a make out session Geoff and Bridgette had in the Total Drama episode 'Total Drama Drama Drama Drama Island'.

12: 'I'm Shipping Up to Boston' by Dropkick Murphys, and most famously used in the 2006 film 'The Departed' is used towards the end of the episode.

13: Soundgarden's 'Black Hole Sun' is used in the credits.

14: The end credits for this series references the 'Night in Prague' sequences after you beat a level in the 2021 video game 'No More Heroes III'.

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Voice Cast

Xander Mobus - Ren Amamiya/Ren Amamiya (SoL)/Guard

Cassandra Lee Morris - Morgana

Micah Solusod - Daisuke Watanabe

Yuri Lowenthal - Naoya Makigami

Crispin Freeman - Hayato Yajima/Warden

Matthew Mercer - Yusuke Kitagawa/Yusuke (SoL)

Sean Chiplock - Yuuki Mishima

Christine Marie Cabanos - Shiho Suzui/Shiho (SoL)

Max Mittleman - Ryuji Sakamoto/Ryuji (SoL)

Erika Harlacher - Ann Takamaki/Ann (SoL)

Cherami Leigh - Makoto Niijima/Sayuri Amamiya/Makoto (SoL)

Elizabeth Maxwell - Sae Niijima/Sae (SoL)

Laura Bailey - Eiko Takao

Mark Whitten - Hiro Nakaoka

J. Michael Tatum - Kuro Takeishi

Amanda Winn-Lee - Ichiko Ohya

Leanna Albanese - Eri Natsuhara

Sarah Williams - Chihaya Mifune

Abby Trott - Tae Takemi

Quinton Flynn - Kazuya Makigami

MacLeod Andrews - Toshiro Kasukabe/Furukawa

Megan Harvey - Sophia

Tom Taylorson - Zenkichi Hasegawa

Colleen O'Shaughnessey - Akane Hasegawa

Jesse McCartney - Shinya Oda

Tara Platt - Mika Shibata

Ben Diskin - Ichiro Tanaka

Laura Post - Sumire Yoshizawa

Eden Riegel - Hifumi Togo

Xanthe Huynh - Haru Okumura/Haru (SoL)

Jamieson Price - Sojiro Sakura

Erica Lindbeck - Futaba Sakura

Janice Kawaye - Kana Magario

Josh Keaton - Kaoru Iwai

Troy Baker - Ryuta Watanabe/Ryuta (SoL)

Michelle Ruff - Sadayo (SoL)/Sadayo Kawakami

Todd Haberkorn - Minato Amamiya/Chef/Waiter

Megan Shipman - Kimiko Watanabe

Johnny Yong Bosch - Kaito Watanabe

Cristina Vee - Mana Amamiya

Jamie Marchi - Mitsu Amamiya

Sam Riegel - Wataru Koyama

Elsie Lovelock - Himari Yajima

Michael Kovach - Hotaru Yajima

Lara Jill Miller - Mai Mishima-Tanaka

Bryce Papenbrook - Riku Mishima

Kira Buckland - Nariko Mishima

Kari Wahlgren - Kasumi II 'Kas' Tanaka

Robin Atkin Downes - Akihiro Hagiwara

James Arnold Taylor - Yutaka Watanabe

Monica Rial - Nayoko Hashimoto

Robbie Daymond - Goro Akechi

Christopher Corey Smith - Kunikazu Okumura

Erin Fitzgerald - Wakaba Isshiki

Colleen Clinkenbeard - Claudette

Philip Reich - Sugimura

JK Simmons - Hoshigami