Chapter V: Settling In


Café Leblanc (純喫茶ルブラン)/Yongen-Jaya, Tokyo (四軒茶屋, 東京)/August 1, 2020 (202081)/1:24 PM (JST)

A few days have passed. The Phantom Thieves and their new allies reconvened for a meeting at the coffee shop. Having packed for their upcoming trip to Osaka, they decided to discuss their main objective for this trip.

Sitting together, the Phantom Thief founding members and Sion ate some curry. The other Thieves, Makoto, Haru, Yusuke, and Futaba lounged in one of the tables.

"Oh, so he's from somewhere in Europe?" Sojiro asked Ren relating to Sion's home.

"Yeah, technically speaking. He's also a new ally who's going to help us on a mission. Hifumi has been taking care of him," Ren answered Sojiro while concealing Sion's Revenant nature and where he came from.

Sipping some coffee, Sion gave a satisfied sigh. "This coffee is good and this place is very relaxing." Scanning through the café, the Revenant couldn't feel more at ease. The place has a welcoming aura.

"Thanks for the compliments," Sojiro smirked, taking Sion's polite compliments while making out some of his English. "You're not the first English speaking customer I've had."

"Really? Interesting."

"I've had a few American and English customers come in. So, don't be surprised if I can interpret your language." The old man casually grinned.

"Hey, I don't mean to interrupt, but I'm curious Sion," Ann asked him.

"Yeah?"

"What kind of music do you like?" She asked the Revenant.

Taken aback, Sion found himself stumped by this random question. "Music? Well, anything I guess. Where I come from, there wasn't much music to listen to, except for a few radios that played some loud and intense vocals." He interacted and fluently communicated with Ann in English.

With a wholesome smile on her face, Ann took out a pair of earpods and put them in Sion's ears. "Well, tell me what you think? You're going to hear a music band. Let me know when you're ready."

"Um, sure."

"Let's see here. Let's start with this band. Ready?"

Nodding, Sion replied. "Go ahead." When Ann pressed the play button on her smartphone, the strumming of an electric guitar played in Sion's ear. A male vocalist then started singing, causing Sion to lean forward and nod his head. As the vocalist continued singing, the tone of the music was soothing and haunting enough, lifting his spirits and visualizing himself with his Revenant friends once again. As an outpouring of his nostalgic memories hit him, a relaxed smile formed on his face. Ann, Ren, Ryuji, and Morgana watched him nodding and smiling. Noticing their glances, the Revenant shook his head. "Sorry."

"Judging from that calm look on your face, you like it! Crossfade has good music!" Ann giggled.

"What were you thinking about listening to that song?" Ren asked the Revenant.

Sion plainly answered. "Well, mostly about home and my friends. All the good times we had."

Ryuji's smile widened. "These friends of yours sound like cool people."

"They are."

"Ok, Sion. Listen to this next band, ready?" Ann prepared to push play.

"Let's do it," the Revenant replied.

"Lacuna Coil is another favorite band of mine," Ann played the next song.

A female vocalist's calm and evocative singing played in Sion's ear. Leaning his head back, Sion relaxed his mind and imagined himself sitting near a dark tree with low hanging red beads that resembled cherries. Behind Sion, a pair of pale arms folded around his neck. Without looking over his shoulder, a pair of golden eyes belonging to a woman leaned over to whisper in his ear. Her calm, enigmatic voice eased Sion, bringing him into a sleep-like state. Getting deeper into the song, he imagined himself in a depopulated and ruined city once teeming with life and overrun by the Lost.

"This music is beautiful. I've heard nothing like it back in my world." Sion murmured, finding himself immersed by the song. "These sound similar but very different from the music I've heard in my world."

"What was it like?" Ryuji curiously asked him.

"Well, it's hard to explain, but the music gets very intense and full of energy. I heard it a lot back at our home base." Sion tried to explain. "Anyway, thank you, Ann. That music was refreshing."

Ann warmly smiled. "It's my pleasure. I'd be happy to show you the other music artists we listen to."

Just then, the ringing of the café signaled the arrival of a new customer. Everyone turned only for Togo Hifumi to step into view.

"Sorry, I took so long. I'm back," the apologetic Shogi player chimed in.

"Hifumi, welcome back…" Sion paused, his eyes meeting Hifumi, who came dressed in a cute sleeveless light blue and white pinstriped casual summer dress. Folded over is the collar area of the dress. Her necklace is hanging at the front of her chest. Fastened around her waist is a white belt. She has her hair in a bun style and white shoes. She also carried an orange purse.

"Welcome back, Hifumi," Ren said.

Just then, Yumeko poked her head out behind Hifumi. "And she didn't come alone! Hi, guys!"

"Hello, Yumeko," Ann answered.

"And don't forget us!" Ryōta announced, walking in with Mary.

"So, did you bring your Shogi board?" Yusuke asked Hifumi.

"I did and Yumeko was very insistent about playing against me."

Yumeko added with a sneaky grin. "I'm ready to play, Hifumi!"

Hifumi replied with a composed smirk. "Well, let's not waste any time."

Finding another table, the two women commenced with their Shogi game. Having gotten to know each other during the past couple of days, Hifumi and Yumeko learned each other's school backgrounds and their love for games. By the middle of their Shogi game, victory seemed to be within Yumeko's grasp. Her every play had Hifumi guessing.

"Yes! I haven't been this excited since… oh yes! Give me more until I've defeated you, Hifumi-san!" Yumeko yelled out in ecstasy. Her red glowing eyes depicted her ever obsessive desire to enjoy testing an opponent's mental prowess and finding the thrill of the game. For a moment, she seemed to slide her right hand through her undies as if she were masturbating. All the while during her ecstatic moment, she nibbled her left thumb. This unusual behavior elicited unnerved and bewildered looks from the Thieves.

However, despite Yumeko's erratic aura seemingly trying to suffocate her, the pragmatic Hifumi played her critical move, ultimately deciding the game in her favor. "You've fallen for my trap!" She passionately yelled out. "Now, let the hair threads of the queen ensnare my opposing pieces! Infantry, go all out and slay the source!"

Just like that, Hifumi was the winner. Standing from her seat, Yumeko clapped for her opponent.

"That was wonderful, Hifumi-san!" Yumeko happily cried and smiled despite losing the game. "It was truly an honor to play with a Shogi pro like you!"

"Thank you. I learned Shogi from my father watching him play and by him teaching me. I once supported him when he was ill while playing professionally. Then, my mother started manipulating games in my favor, which soured my reputation for a while." Hifumi then faced Ren and his friends. "Thanks to the Phantom Thieves, they changed my mother for the better."

Yumeko was mesmerized. "Lucky you. My parents already passed away. I had to take care of my older sister who was hospitalized due to gambling." Yumeko contrasted her life story to Hifumi's.

"That's quite noble of you, Jabami-san." Hifumi nodded, her face calm as ever. "We play for those we care for, but our approach to the game can't be any different. I'm cool and collective and you're fiery and passionate."

"You can say that again," Mary remarked.

"Good game, you two," Ryōta nodded.

However, none in the room was more impressed than Sion. Observing Hifumi's plays, he knew exactly what pieces Hifumi would pick.

"Well now, do I notice something going on between you and that young lady?" Sojiro chimed in, teasing the Revenant.

Bewildered by this, Sion whispered to Ren. "Hey, what's he going on about?"

"You've been hanging with Hifumi for a few days. How close are you with her now?"

"Well, she trusts me."

Ren smirked. "Just take it slow, Sion. Take your time and go with the flow."

Ann giggled. "Ooo, giving him some love advice?"

Sion sighed. "I don't know. We're just friends now."

Ryuji deviously grinned. "That's what they all say."

Morgana rolled his eyes. "C'mon, leave him alone, guys."

Hifumi openly addressed the gamblers. "Since you're all here, you should know Ren and his friends go by Phantom Thief codenames. And if we're going to be working with them, we'll need some codenames."

Hearing this, Ren concurred. "That's really for the best. So, what have you decided?"

"So, we're really going by our codenames now?" Mary sighed. "Fine, what was my name before?"

"Brave." Ryōta reminded her.

"Oh, right! And you're Pesto?"

Ryōta corrected her. "Presto."

"Right, Presto."

"Good names, you two," nodded Hifumi as she turned toward the Compulsive Gambler. "What have you decided on, Yumeko?"

"Hmmm. How does Tamamo sound?" Yumeko decided.

"Tamamo? Like the Tamamo-no-Mae from the Nine-Tailed Fox legend?" Ann asked the dark-haired gambler.

"Yeah! Because she's renowned for her beauty and intelligence just like me! And since I have the Nine-Tails spirit, I figure why not go with Tamamo?"

Mary remarked. "And you're every bit as mischievous as the fox."

"That's a good name, Yumeko," Hifumi said. "I'm honestly kind of stumped on my codename."

"Do you need any suggestions?" Sion offered.

"How about Lotus? According to Buddhist practitioners, a white lotus is regarded as a symbol of purity. And there couldn't be a better codename than that," Yusuke asked Hifumi.

The Shogi player smiled genuinely. "That's a very nice name, Yusuke. Perhaps I should consider it?"

Futaba interjected. "Eh, I don't know, Inari. I don't think Hifumi's buying into it."

"Well, what name do you have in mind, oh exalted one?"

Folding her arms, the hacker rocked back and forth on a chair. "Hmmm." She rolled her eyes, staring over to Yusuke, who looked at her waiting for an immediate response. "You got me. I don't have a clue."

The artist facepalmed. "I figured."

"How about Otohime, Hifumi?" Haru suggested. "I think that's a lovely name."

"I agree and I remember that undersea princess from the tale of Urashima Tarō, but that's not quite what I'm looking for."

"Then, what about Jingū? Do you remember the Japanese empress who ruled as regent after her husband's passing? She ultimately became like a king. The way you play Shogi, you remind me of an empress leading an army and swiftly conquering enemies all while standing firm and proud." Makoto pitched this idea to Hifumi.

"You put a lot of thought into that name and yes I recall about Empress Jingū, the renowned warrior empress that led an invasion in Korea ages ago. I do picture myself through her."

Ann concurred with Makoto's idea. "Yeah, that's totally you, Hifumi! You should go with that one!"

With her cheeks blushing, Hifumi modestly replied. "Tempting as that name would be, but I'm looking for something that's more suited to my battle appearance. I was thinking more like Tennyo."

"Tennyo?" Mary blinked. "Why that name?"

Ren added. "So, your battle form is based on a heavenly being?"

"More or less, I was able to conjure a form of divine lightning. The properties seemed to be from divine light. So, just now Tennyo came to mind. And since a tennyo is a female spiritual being, there's not a more suitable codename for me than that one," Hifumi explained the meaning behind her chosen codename. "According to Buddhist mythology, tennyo are beautiful entities known for their unparalleled elegance and grace."

"While I don't entirely understand your culture's mythologies, the way you described a tennyo is exactly what I saw when you helped me fight those monsters," Sion added, eliciting a genuinely modest smile from Hifumi. "Tennyo is a perfect codename for you."

"Thank you, Sion."

Makoto slightly frowned, seemingly perturbed that her codename suggestion wasn't picked.

"I agree. That's a much better name!" Ann chimed in while tapping Ren's hand. "Don't you think, Ren?"

"Yeah, it sure is."

"Well, if Hifumi is fine with it, then I am, too!" Yumeko enthusiastically said.

"So, our codenames have all been decided," Ryōta stated.

"Now, we can get into more important things. How do we get to Osaka?" Morgana related this to the Thieves and company.

"Why don't we take a bullet train?" Haru suggested. "There will be one that can take us from here to Osaka."

"Then, how does going there in a day sound? Tomorrow, we prepare and pack things along for this trip. That should give us a full day before we head for the bullet train the following morning." Makoto offered a plan for her friends.

"Sounds fine to me," Ryuji nodded, flashing a grin.

"Then, it's settled?" Ren said.

"Wow, talk about memory lane. Remember the last time we went to Osaka those couple of years ago?" Ann clamped her hands together. "It's going to be fun revisiting the sites!"

Hopping off from her chair, Futaba chuckled. "That was a fun summer!"

Yusuke added. "Indeed it was."

"Remember guys. This is not a vacation. Our trip to Osaka is a crucial mission. So, we won't be on a fun road trip like last time. Anyway, Nekomata told us about those spirits we need to meet," Morgana reminded them about their mission.

"Don't forget about finding that source that's released the Yokai and the Lost," Sion said.

"Yeah, we know. You didn't need to remind us." Makoto interjected almost blatantly giving Sion the cold shoulder. Not taking too kindly to her reproach, he walked up to the policewoman and rebuked.

"Oh, so it's like that? Are you singling me out here?"

Upon hearing Sion's retort, the policewoman met him with her usually fierce gaze, which often spooked her friends, but it didn't faze the Revenant. She became impressed with Sion holding his ground.

"What's your problem?" Makoto furrowed her eyes, her stern gaze didn't waver for a single moment.

"I could ask you that, too. It's because I'm a Revenant, right? It's because I'm not a human like you and your friends. It's because I'm different."

"That's not…"

"Then, what is it?" Sion tried to force an answer out of her.

Makoto bit her bottom lip. "That's not true."

"I saw how upset you looked when Hifumi went with her own idea instead of yours. Is it because of that?"

"No."

Walking right up to Makoto, Sion got in her face. "Then, what is it?"

"Hey, if you two are going to argue here take it outside! I don't want any problems inside my place!" Sojiro quickly called out.

Sion bowed. "I apologize, sir." Then, he felt Makoto's hand grab his right shoulder.

"You heard him. Outside. You and me." The policewoman grabbed Sion's arm and dragged him outside the café. Following the ringing of the bells, the door shut.

Yumeko blinked. "Hmmm? Revenant? What's that? I've never heard of such a European nationality." This response drew exasperated sighs from the others, especially Mary.

"That's because there is no such nationality! So, my suspicions were right. I knew there was something off when he mentioned he wasn't from 'here'. Yukimura wasn't vague when he said that," Mary plainly remembered what Yukimura related concerning Sion's native home. "He's from another world."

Ren turned and faced Hifumi. "Is this true?"

Not saying a word, Hifumi couldn't conceal her distraught look. She hoped Sion's true nature wouldn't get out so soon, but now that the cat is out of the bag she couldn't hide the truth anymore.

"It's going to be a lot to take in, but I'll tell you everything on our way to Osaka."

Just then, the argument between Makoto and the Revenant escalated further, causing the group to turn around. Hifumi instinctively jumped out of her chair and gasped.

"Sion!"

Makoto and Sion's heated argument could be heard outside the coffee shop.

"Listen to me, you're the one who attacked me and my friends first!" Makoto berated him.

"Because of the way you and your friends approached me, I acted on instinct to protect myself and Hifumi!"

"Ok, yes, we thought you were a threat."

"And assumed I'd hurt Hifumi?!"

"We didn't know!" Makoto angrily snapped back.

"Well, look how that turned out. Your friends turned out nice to me, but you're still hostile toward me. It's because I'm not human, right? You think I'm some vampire or whatever only using Hifumi as a pawn. You think I have some ulterior motive?!"

"Well, no…"

Sion frowned. "You're lying."

Having heard enough accusations, Makoto raised a fist. "I'm not lying!" Raising a hand to him, Sion quickly seized her hand and looked her dead in the eyes.

"I'm warning you, Mako-kins. If you continue to bother, threaten, or annoy me in any kind of way, I won't have any problem drinking your blood." Sion growled, his eyes turning bright red, causing Makoto to back off. As he walked by the policewoman, the Revenant didn't even make eye contact and walked in to calm Hifumi down.

Hearing her friends asking Sion questions, apprehensive emotions filled Makoto's heart. She bit her bottom lip. Then, she gnashed her teeth. Hearing Sion calling her 'Mako-kins' not only demeaned her but stirred irritation. Venting out her frustrations, she punched the brick wall side of the coffee shop, narrowly missing the window glass.

"Call me Mako-kins, will you?" The dark brunette muttered quietly, lowkey anger evident in her tone. "Who the fuck do you take me for?" She scowled under heavy breath.

Observing from an enclosed space near the coffee shop, an eavesdropping Akechi overheard Makoto and Sion's heated argument. He kept a distance with his back turned so no one could recognize him. He has an earpiece, which he used to listen to the Thieves and company's conversation about their trip.

With a collective smirk, Akechi muttered. "So, you're all going to Osaka? Wait until she hears about this."


2:15 PM (JST)

"And they're taking a bullet train to Osaka in two days," Akechi informed Sumire, both sitting together at a café table.

"I see. So, early morning on August 3?" Sumire asked him.

"That's right."

"Then, that's where we'll go."

"Of course, finding them will be easier said than done, but our Metaverse powers should allow us to find them."

Sumire smiled modestly. "Yes, you're right, but I do want to see how senpai and the others are doing. And I want to help their new friends in any way I can!"

Sipping his teacup, Akechi chortled. "You and me both, Sumire." Finishing his last sip, the former detective stood from his chair. "So, we'll meet first thing Monday morning?"

Sumire nodded. "Yes, I'll see you then!"

"Good to know."


Yongen-Jaya, Tokyo (四軒茶屋, 東京)/3:47 PM (JST)

Once the meeting adjourned, Ren stayed behind with Ann and helped Sojiro mind the coffee shop. Following Ann to her modeling gig, a rattling sound came from Ren's left pant pocket. Pulling out his smartphone, he opened up Ryuji's text. Ryuji's message suggested a chat to review about today's meeting. Ren and Ann took out their smartphones and entered the chatroom. Profile pictures of the Thieves' appeared next to their written texts on the phone screen.

Ren: It's been years since we did these kinds of chats.
Futaba: No kidding! We have awesome memories of these phone chats. They've added a bunch of cool new features! Sure takes me back to Medjed.
Ren: Yeah, and you sure dealt with them using your hacking skills, Futaba. Anyway guys, have you all bought the tickets? We've planned for August 3 at 8:00 AM.
Yusuke: Yes, we have. It'll be fascinating to revisit Osaka.
Haru: Yes, likewise. It's a gorgeous city.
Ryuji: And the food there tasted real sweet! Not to mention Universal Studios!
Ann: Yeah, we've already reserved a hotel for us. It'll be great to relax! :) Unlike the Hawaii trip, we won't have any chaperones walking us around.
Futaba: Duh! We're adults! ^^
Ren: And with Hifumi, Sion, Yumeko, Mary, and Ryōta joining us, we have more assets on our side.
Makoto: Guys, I apologize for causing a scene like that. Normally, I'd keep my cool.
Ryuji: Suuuure.
Makoto: … anyway, I still have my suspicions towards that vampire. I don't know why you guys are being friendly towards him?
Haru: Well, he hasn't done anything cruel to us. Besides, he rightfully defended himself to protect Hifumi and the others.
Ann: Makoto, maybe you should loosen up? No need to take things too seriously.
Ryuji: Yeah, maybe being a workaholic police officer is giving you a big head. :P
Makoto: Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!
Futaba: Okay guys, settle down and chill! Do I need to chat ban you two?!
Ren: Heh, you don't want to cross a hacker's mod abilities, do you?
Ryuji: I'll behave.
Makoto: Fine.
Ren: Let's all get some rest today. Pack tomorrow. And see y'all Monday morning. Later.

Afterward, Ren and Ann turned off their phones.

"Hey, you think Makoto will be ok, Ren?" Ann asked him with concern for their policewoman friend.

Ren shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. I hope so."

"The last thing we need is further escalation between her and Sion. That's the last thing we need before and during this trip."

"I agree. Let's try our best to resolve their differences."

The model quickly remembered someone. "Oh, any word from Sumire?"

Ren checked his messages, scanning for Sumire's response. "Nothing."

"I hope she's ok."

"Me, too. But if I know her, she'll surprise us when we least expect it."


Gold's Gym Umeda Osaka/Osaka (大阪市)/5:45 PM (JST)

Training solitarily from the rest of the male presence, a musclebound Japanese woman gripped a five-foot-long, 45-pound barbell.

She is a tall woman, whose height was taller than most of the men working out in the same gym. She has fair skin. Her alluring blue eyes have an enchanting vibe that caught the attention of the male gym-goers. Her dark hair is slightly loosened in a ponytail, which she tightened up with a hair band. Her gym clothing consisted of a form-fitting navy blue and white sports bra, matching navy blue and white striped gym shorts, tennis shoes, and small white gym socks. She has a peak conditioned figure, making her stand out from the other gym women. The abdominal area between her sports bra and shorts showed off her six-pack abdominals, a feature gained through dedication and diet. Her shorts revealed her thick, muscular legs, which looked like they could crush a watermelon.

Fully wrapping her fingers over the bar, she scanned the 55-pound weights on each side. Inhaling and exhaling, the female weightlifter performed a set of 10 squats. Afterward, she took a breather and did another set of 10 squats.

She then set the barbell down and cooled off, squeezing cold water from her bottle into her mouth. Having gotten her sip, the weightlifter adjusted and replaced the 55-pound weights with 45-pound ones. Curling the bar, she tested the sturdiness of the barbell and performed three sets of 10 curls. During each curl, her biceps showed the density of her muscular arms. She inhaled and exhaled after each curl.

Dropping the barbell down, the weightlifter grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat from her face.

Then, she heard her smartphone ringing.

Wiping her hands, she then picked it up and answered in a husky tone, fitting her Amazonesque stature. "Yeah?" Listening to someone on the other line, she wore a serious look. "I see. Do you want to meet at Sankō Shrine? There's new Guardian Spirits?" She nodded. "Ok, I'll meet you there, Kyosuke." With that, she turned off her phone. "Could this be what I think it means?"


Sankō Shrine (三香神社)/Osaka (大阪市)/7:36 PM (JST)

"Looking great there, Mina," a man chimed in and addressed the female weightlifter with familiarity. Veering over, the woman acknowledged her training partner with a cordial glance. As opposed to Mina's larger frame, this individual is a moderately-built Japanese man. His shoulder-length black hair tied is back in a ponytail. He has some facial hair grain over his lips and chin but presented himself in a well-shaven manner. He has thick black eyebrows, with a scar over his left brow. He had on a maroon short-sleeved men's kimono cardigan coupled with a red shirt, dark blue hakama pants, and dark brown shoes.

"Kyosuke, what's going on?" Mina addressed him, dressed in a form-fitting, light blue buttoned sleeveless dress shirt, black pants, and brown shoes. With a sleeveless shirt, this let her expose her muscular arms, which flexing them could show off her bulging biceps. Her dress shirt cut off above her midriff, revealing her six-pack abdominals. She kept her ponytail style with hair bindings.

"Did you not sense the awakening of their spirits?" He queried, his steely gaze meeting her befuddled look.

"So, it's true then? Yukimura and Lady Chacha's Guardian Spirits have found new wielders?"

"Yes, and according to William and the other spirits, the new wielders will arrive here soon."

Furrowing her brows, Mina folded her arms. "Then, we can expect the spirits to bring them to Sankō Shrine. That's where we'll meet the Guardian Spirits' new wielders." As the thought of meeting the Spiritual Gamblers, a hearty and intense smile adorned her face. "Won't this be exciting, Saoirse?"

With that, a beacon of light materialized near Mina. From this shining beacon, a small white-bodied humanoid with a black fish's tail, red-feathered wings, and red feathered ears. Summoned by Mina's beckoning, Saoirse floated around the woman's body.

"Time to come out, Makami," Kyosuke summoned his Guardian Spirit, which resembled a wolf with golden orange fur and antler stags protruding from its front paws. "That's right, Makami. New chosen wielders like us are coming here."

Mina folded an arm over Saoirse. "Yes, won't it be interesting to meet these new Guardian Spirit wielders?" She communicated with her spirit. Saoirse squeaked back, informing her of other details. "William and the other spirits will be here, too? Then, the situation with those Yokai and the other unknown monsters appearing at the Olympics Games is more serious than we imagined, Kyosuke."

"Yes, that's what Makami told me."

"Then, we must prepare to join this new conflict," Mina said, clenching her right hand into a clamped fist.


Chapter Soundtrack

Crossfade - The Unknown- Sion listening to one of the songs.
Lacuna Coil - Lost Lullaby- Sion listening to another of the songs.
Kakegurui OST - Strange Visage- Hifumi beats Yumeko in Shogi.
Muramasa: The Demon Blade OST - Dim Twilight A - Another of Hifumi's themes of her involvement with the Phantom Thieves and new allies, the Phantom Thieves discuss which codename is given for Hifumi before it is decided as Tennyo. Likewise, Yumeko and her friends tell their codenames.
Owari no Seraph Opening FULL - X.U.» 終わりのセラフ OP - The unity of the Phantom Thieves, Hifumi & Sion, and the Spiritual Gamblers as they finalize their plans in going to Osaka. Sion and Makoto's argument. Akechi and Sumire's scene. Phantom Thief phone chats, and Ren & Ann's conversation afterward.
LiSA - Confidence Driver - Mina's intense workout session.


A/N: Things sure escalated between Makoto and Sion. What started in the previous chapter continues here with Sion coining her official nickname 'Mako-kins'. And oh boy, it's only going to get worse in a forthcoming chapter.

This chapter marks the AnM debut of the phone chats and there's sure to be a few more throughout this novelization.

Outside of the Makoto confrontation, Sion has gotten along with the other Thieves, even striking a friendship with Ann, who relates to him on some level as a foreigner. Although there's a big difference between living in another country and coming from a wholly different dimension.

Hifumi and the gamblers give themselves codenames. Hifumi teaches Yumeko and beats the Compulsive Gambler using her favorite game. Now, they're officially part of the team. ;)

Last but not least, we have two OCs with Guardian Spirits. Those of you familiar with Nioh/Nioh 2 should recognize these spirits.

The Osakan trip begins in the next chapter!

Nothing else needs to be said. Leave a comment and review!