AN: Another chapter done. I hope you all enjoy it.

FF – Thanks NightmareKnight1. The reason I didn't include the Councilor and Faith Confidants is because I was only halfway through a play-through of P5R when I first had this idea and I never had any flashes on inspiration on how to involve the two with Urano.

AO3 – Thank you Kryuzei. I'd actually forgotten about Urano accidentally mentioning Futaba's calling card to Sojiro in Chapter 5. Although, I'm sure Urano would argue that it wasn't in public and there was no risk of Sojiro connecting it to Futaba's sudden change in behavior, even if she did panic in the moment.

Museum of Vanity — Part 1

May 7 – Saturday

Morgana's PoV

After school, the Phantom Thieves of Heart once again assembled in the attic of Leblanc to decide upon whose hearts they would change in Mementos. This time, however, all of their potential targets came not from the Phantom Thieves but from Mishima's research.

"A school bully named Daisuke Takanashi, a cat-napper named Ryoko Aino, and even a stalker of an ex-boyfriend named Natsuhiko Nakanohara," summed up the not-cat. "I've gotta hand it Mishima, he's very good at gathering information."

"Scary good is more like it," observed Futaba. "I checked the Phan-Site, and the stalker was the only one whose name was there."

"At least he's on our side," commented Urano. "And at least he's only using his power for good, unlike some."

The bookworm gave the hacker a pointed stare, prompting the latter to stick out her tongue tauntingly.

"Moving on…" interjected Makoto before their meeting could get derailed by the sisters. "We're all in agreement about these targets, correct?"

"No arguments here," said Ryuji. "I'm all for changing these guys' hearts."

"Yeah, especially the cat-napper," agreed Ann. "What would we do if she abducted Morgana?"

"Lady Ann…" went Morgana, having mixed emotions about her statement. He was touched that his crush was worried about him but also frustrated by the implication that he was a cat.

The not-cat brushed those feelings aside, though. Despite Urano assuring him that he provided the Phantom Thieves with valuable knowledge and skills outside of combat, he was still eager to prove his worth. Besides, fighting Shadows was the best way to get stronger. He wouldn't become a burden to the others!

"Then let's get going!" declared Morgana. "Phantom Thieves, roll out!"

At his cue, Urano activated the Meta-Nav, sending them all to Mementos.

Ryuji Sakamoto's PoV

The mission went pretty smoothly. They quickly made their way into the second area of Mementos, where they found all of the targets. The bully and cat-napper were easy fights, with the latter agreeing to change her ways after some coaxing from Harlequin. All that was left was the stalker, whom they'd just tracked down.

"Who are you!?" shouted the Shadow as the Phantom Thieves approached.

Honestly, things might've been going a little too smoothly. On the ride over, Queen suggested that, if they finished things up without exhausting themselves, then they should do some studying for the upcoming midterms once they returned to the real world.

…Never before had Skull wished for an enemy to be powerful.

"Are you that stalker!?" demanded Panther angrily. Huh, did she have something against…? Wait, right… Kamoshida basically stalked her. "Haven't you stopped to consider how your ex feels?"

"It's not like she didn't treat me like a plaything!" complained the Shadow. "What's wrong with me doing the same!?"

"You can't treat someone like shit just because they did it to you!" retorted Skull. That was one of the reasons he'd never considered killing Kamoshida – because he knew doing so would make him no better than that shitty teacher. "What a load of crap… We're gonna change the hearts of all the bastards like you!"

"There are millions of people far worse than me!" argued the Shadow. "What about Madarame…? He stole everything from me, but your letting him off the hook!?"

"Even if you're right about other people being worse, that doesn't make you any less terrible!" countered Harlequin.

"Yeah!" agreed Oracle. "And who says we won't go after this 'Madarame' guy, whoever he is!"

The Shadow transformed into his monster form, which Skull didn't recognize. It looked kinda like… a red-skinned child with bangs doing a jig? Definitely one of the weirder Shadows…

"Get ready!" yelled Mona. "Here he comes!"

"Elemental Skills, everyone!" ordered Queen. "If he has a weakness, we'll find it!"

The Phantom Thieves soon discovered that the Shadow did, in fact, have a weakness to Elec. After discovering this, the others buffed Skull and Harlequin so that they could hammer the Shadow with twin Ziongas. One all All-Out Attack later, the battle was over and the Shadow (back in human form) was begging for forgiveness.

Although, before disappearing, the Shadow talked about his 'evil teacher' Madarame and begged them to change that man's heart, too. Unfortunately, he didn't mention the guy's full name, so there was nothing the Phantom Thieves could do for now.

Skull had a more pressing concern, anyway. After all, the stalker's Shadow wasn't that tough, so they'd completed their mission without exhausting themselves.

In other words, upon returning to the real world, Skull would be facing a much greater enemy – studying.

May 8 – Sunday

Makoto Niijima's PoV

The Phantom Thieves met at Café Leblanc for a study session, ordering some curry to eat as they worked.

"Urgh, my head hurts…" groaned Ann, rubbing her temples.

"We studied yesterday… Why are we doing it again today?" complained Ryuji, practically pulling out his hair in frustration.

"Repetition is necessary to reinforce memories, ensuring that you don't forget them between now and your midterm exams," answered Makoto succinctly.

"If you didn't want to study, then you should've learned all this when the teachers went over it in class," added Urano bluntly.

Makoto was thankful for Urano's presence. Unlike Ryuji and Ann, who were at serious risk of flunking even with their study sessions, the bookworm had a strong enough grasp of the materials to take care of herself. In fact, Urano actually helped Makoto educate the blonde duo, explaining that teaching others was a form of studying.

Throughout the session, Makoto's thoughts kept turning back to what the stalker's Shadow had said in Mementos. Madarame… could he have been referring to the artist?

Perhaps, once exams were over, the Phantom Thieves could investigate — and possibly change the heart of — Ichiryusai Madarame.

May 10 – Tuesday

Sadayo Kawakami's PoV

"There's been a series of scandals on this campus," Ms. Chouno said to Sadayo. "We're all being called into questioning. And yet you leave earlier than anyone — and you barely make it to the faculty meetings! Explain yourself! Don't tell me you're out running around at night!?"

Ever since Kamoshida's confession, Ms. Chouno had been on the hunt for any other teachers with dark secrets. This put Sadayo, who moonlighted as a maid to make ends meet, in Ms. Chouno's crosshairs.

Their current interrogation had begun when Ms. Chouno cornered Sadayo in the hallway after school, meaning that there was nowhere for the part-time maid to run. Unless a miracle occurred, she was doomed.

"Umm, excuse me," interjected Urano, the one person who knew Sadayo's secret.

…That was the opposite of a miracle. Although, Sadayo really shouldn't be surprised that her luck was so terrible.

"The school's closing soon, Ms. Motosu," Ms. Chouno told the bookworm. "Head on home before it gets late. Or did you need something from Ms. Kawakami?"

"Actually, yes," replied Urano, turning to face Sadayo. "I just wanted to thank you for your assistance, Ms. Kawakami. It's really helped me tutor Ryuji and Ann."

Huh? What was Urano… Oh! The bookworm was covering for her.

"…What?" uttered Ms. Chouno, caught flatfooted by Urano's words.

"That's fantastic!" replied Sadayo, forcing a grin. "I'm glad I could be of assistance."

"…Assistance?" repeated Ms. Chouno, looking for an explanation.

"Well, Ms. Chouno, you probably already know that Ryuji and Ann aren't the best students," began Urano. "I've been helping them study for the upcoming midterms, but I've never really tutored anyone before. So I've been going to Ms. Kawakami for advice on explaining things to them, and I think it's working!"

"Th-that's right!" agreed Sadayo. "Some of the concepts Ms. Motosu is trying to teach are complicated, so I take time at night to help her…" She glanced at Urano. "Although, I really think you should wait on thanking me until we know that my help actually made a difference."

"So you're giving lessons outside of school hours, hm?" asked Ms. Chouno. Sadayo worried that her fellow teacher was going to challenge her lie, only for the woman to beam at her instead. "What passion! You are the ideal teacher! A passionate teacher is exactly what we need at this school. I'm sorry for suspecting you. Well then, keep up the hard work, you two."

With that, Ms. Chouno left. Once Sadayo was certain that her fellow teacher was gone, she thanked Urano and asked the bookworm to call the maid company and request 'Becky.' She owed the girl one, and this was the easiest way to have a conversation without being overheard.

Plus, Sadayo really needed the money.

May 14 – Saturday

Ann Takamaki's PoV

"Well then, I hope to see you there tomorrow!" said Yusuke Kitagawa before getting into Madarame's car and leaving.

When Ann had met up with Urano, Morgana, Makoto, and Ryuji to go to school for the final midterm, she certainly hadn't expected this to happen. A guy she'd never met before had approached her and asked her to model for a painting, then he turned out to be the student of a famous artist, Madarame – the same name they'd heard in Mementos.

Yusuke gave her, Urano, Makoto, and Ryuji tickets for Madarame's art exhibition, which would begin tomorrow. He wanted her answer about the modelling then.

"That guy's as easy to read as a book…" commented Ryuji once Yusuke had left.

"I do understand why he wants to paint Ann, though," said Urano. "She is really beautiful. I'd paint her too, if I was an artist."

For some reason, the bookworm's praise made Ann blush.

"You're not planning on going, are you?" Ryuji asked Ann.

"…I think I will," she answered.

"I think we all should," added Makoto. "In Mementos, that stalker's Shadow said he had a mentor named Madarame, just like Yusuke. We can't discount the possibility that he was referring to this Madarame without investigating, and given his fame, the exhibition will be our best opportunity to do so."

Ann was happy that Makoto had understood her reasoning. However, her mood dampened a moment later when she glanced at her phone.

"Crap!" she cursed. "Look at the time! I'll see you later."

Ann ran ahead toward school, desperate to get in some last-minute studying before the exam. Her grades depended on it!

Futaba Sakura's PoV

"I still can't believe the nerve of that guy!" complained Morgana. "Trying to get Lady Ann to model for him! He reeks of an impure motive!"

After Urano and Morgana got back from school, they had visited Futaba's room to tell her about the encounter with Yusuke and Madarame and ask the hacker to go fishing for information about the two online.

…Well, Urano did. Morgana mostly just ranted in jealousy.

"Pot, meet kettle," muttered Futaba, getting a bit annoyed at the not-cat. His shouting was making it hard to focus on researching the duo.

"…What was that?" asked Morgana. He glared at the hacker, and she gladly glowered back.

"She's not wrong, Morgana," Urano told him. "Yusuke wasn't leering at Ann at all. He genuinely wants to make an amazing painting. So, please, can you stop complaining about him? …Besides, we all know that, if you had opposable thumbs, you'd also try to paint Ann."

"…Fine, I'll stop talking about it," conceded the not-cat unhappily. "But, if Lady Ann does model for him, then I demand to be there to ensure that he doesn't behave in an inappropriate manner!"

"I was already planning on being there myself," said Urano.

"And it's perfectly natural that I want to paint Lady Ann!" declared Morgana.

"Of course," agreed Urano. "I already said earlier that I feel the same way."

"No arguments here," added Futaba. "She's a true beauty, plain and simple."

Had anyone else been in the room with the trio, they would've made a comment about how strange minds think alike.

"Anyway," continued the hacker, turning back to her computer screen. "I've been searching, but there isn't anything reliable online. Just a few rumors about forgeries of his most famous painting, Sayuri."

Futaba had found a picture of the painting, and even an art noob like her could tell how amazing the painting. Sayuri's mysterious smile was breathtaking… and inexplicably familiar.

(Where did the hacker know it from…?)

"Oh well," said Urano, sighing. "It was a long shot, anyway. Good work, Futaba. We still have the exhibition tomorrow and Plan B."

"Plan B?" echoed Futaba and Morgana. "What's that?"

"Let's just say that Yusuke isn't the only person I know who attends Kosei High School…" answered Urano with a smirk, trying to act mysterious.

The hacker held back a chuckle, and she could see the not-cat doing the same. The bookworm said that Morgana acted like a little kid, but she could also be pretty childish at times. Of course, the same could be said of Futaba herself.

…Huh. The three of them were kind of like a set, weren't they?

May 15 – Sunday

Urano Motosu's PoV

With midterms out of the way, the Phantom Thieves paid a visit to Madarame's art exhibition.

"You came!" Yusuke greeted Ann cheerfully, then looked at the rest of us and frowned. "You really came. At least the vulgar one isn't here."

Since Yusuke only gave us four tickets, one of us had to stay behind. Ryuji, having zero interest in art and disliking Yusuke, gave his ticket to Futaba.

"Ryuji let my little sister have his ticket," I explained. "After I told her that I met Madarame yesterday, she looked up his work and became kinda enraptured by Sayuri. It's a shame it was stolen."

"Indeed," responded Yusuke, his gaze softening. "Sayuri was the painting that inspired me to become an artist." He looked at Ann. "When I first saw you, I felt the same powerful emotion as when I saw this painting…"

"Me?" replied Ann, surprised.

Wait, was this a confession!? Wow, I'd never seen one in person before!

"I wish to pursue beauty like this," continued Yusuke. "And I believe drawing you will be part of that pursuit. I implore you… seriously consider my offer."

Nope, never mind. I've seen that look on his face in the mirror enough times to recognize it. I'd make it whenever a field trip came up at school and I had the opportunity to visit new libraries and bookstores.

Yusuke wasn't in love with Ann, but with painting. I suppose that I could sympathize, given my own passionate romance with books.

"Well, see you guys later," said Ann before going off with Yusuke.

While I'd been busy thinking, Yusuke had apparently asked her to tour the exhibition with him.

"Will Lady Ann be alright!?" fretted Morgana once the two had left. "What if he drags her behind some paintings and tries something funny?"

"Calm down, Morgana," replied Futaba. "There's way too many people around for him to try anything." The not-cat relaxed. "Besides, everyone knows that the pervy stuff comes when he paints her. Like asking Ann to take off some clothes or strike a risqué pose."

I facepalm as Morgana began to freak out again. TMI Futaba, TMI.

It took a few minutes to calm the not-cat back down.

"Anyway," began Makoto once order had been restored. "Ann going off with Yusuke presents us with the perfect opportunity to speak with Madarame and determine if he's the person we're looking for."

Unfortunately, we weren't the only people hoping to have a conservation with Madarame. Between the reporters looking for interviews and the fans swarming around the artist, none of us were able to do so much as approach him.

After some time without success, Futaba's stamina was exhausted. I brought her to an emptier part of the exhibition hall, where we sat on a bench and rested.

"Uuurgh… Low battery…" moaned Futaba, slumping on my shoulder. "Shouldn't've stayed up… all night gaming…"

"I get it," I said, patting her head. "I can't count the number of weekends I'd spend the whole night reading. Rest up until you have the strength to go home, then we can leave."

"Thanks Mom…" murmured the hacker, closing her eyes.

I blushed, embarrassed but also a bit happy that Futaba had mistaken me for her mother.

Then my sister jolted upright, her eyes shooting open.

"Bwuh!?" I cried, startled and confused.

"That's it!" exclaimed Futaba. She dug her phone out of her pocket and began looking something up.

"What's it?" I asked once I'd calmed down.

"Sayuri's smile!" she answered, shoving her phone – which now displayed a photo of the painting in question – in my face. "I finally figured out why it's so familiar-looking. It's Mom's smile!"

I narrowed my eyes at the painting. Now that Futaba mentioned it, I kinda remember my own mom smiling at me like that, too. Could it be that Sayuri's smile was…?

"…A motherly smile," I whispered.

Huh, I guess we ended up discovering something here, even if it had nothing to do with our investigation. Oh well… I still had a meeting with my Plan B at the church tonight. Maybe she'd know something useful.

Hifumi Togo's PoV

"Yusuke Kitagawa?" repeated Hifumi. "I'm sorry, but while I know of him, I've never actually met him. Why do you want to know about him, anyway?"

The shogi player had been quite surprised yesterday when Urano called her, wondering if she could ask Hifumi a few questions.

"He asked a friend of mine to model for him," answered the bookworm. "I was hoping to make sure he wouldn't do anything sketchy to her. And, since you both go to Kosei, I thought you might know something about him."

"I see," replied Hifumi. Urano was a good friend. "Unfortunately, all I know is that he lives in a shack with Madarame, where they paint together. I'm sorry I couldn't be of assistance."

Technically, there were some rumors that Hifumi had overheard. But it didn't feel right discussing those. Not when she knew firsthand what it felt like to have others spread ugly rumors about you.

"A shack…" muttered the bookworm, oddly pensive. She returned to normal after a moment, waving off Hifumi's apology. "It's fine. This was a long shot, anyway. Let's forget about it and play shogi. Who should go first?"

Despite saying that, Urano's cheer seemed somewhat forced. Hifumi felt guilty for failing her only friend. Maybe she should…

"Actually, there is a rumor about him," admitted Hifumi, though that just made her start feeling guilty toward Kitagawa instead. "I don't know if there's any truth to it… so it might not be true… but if it is, then you should definitely… umm… well…"

Caught between her desire to be a good friend and her sense of responsibility, Hifumi kept stuttering out vague statements. Luckily, Urano seemed to understand what was going through the shogi player's head.

"Don't worry, I'll keep the rumor to myself," stated the bookworm. "Some other friends and I are going to be tagging along to Yusuke's. If I see anything suggesting that this rumor is true, I can just tell the others then and there."

"Well, actually…" responded Hifumi, trying to figure out how to phrase things. "That's not quite… though I suppose that if several of you are going to be there, then it should be okay. You see, the rumor… is that he's asked a few of his classmates to model… nude…"

"Bwuh!?" went Urano, blushing. "Nude!?"

Several other church patrons looked over at the two girls, causing Hifumi to wince and also turn red. Urano noticed this, blushing more deeply and muttering out an apology for shouting.

"…Maybe we should get started on that shogi game," offered Hifumi, hoping to break the awkward atmosphere that had developed.

"Yeah," agreed Urano.

After a few games of shogi, both girls had forgotten about their embarrassment.

"At last, everything is in its place… My right hand trembles as I release my full power!" declared Hifumi. "I summon forth the forbidden move that shall bring your end… Ultimate Excalibur Attack! …Check."

Well, their embarrassment over the rumor about Kitagawa. Luckily, Urano didn't care much about Hifumi's habit. Or rather, she was apparently used to that sort of behavior thanks to her sister and a kid called Morgana.

(Wait, was Hifumi's behavior reminding Urano of a middle schooler and a child actually better? …Well, at least the bookworm wasn't bothered by it. That's what the shogi player would keep telling herself.)

Hifumi was so happy about her habit being accepted that she ended up sharing the story about how her father caused her to develop it. The shogi player used to have so much fun making up stories and strategies for her 'subject.'

Now, however, people just thought of her as weird because of it. And they were right, too.

"So what if you're a weirdo?" replied Urano. "If you enjoy doing it, then you shouldn't let their opinions matter. I'd never have been able to read as many books as I have if I'd let other peoples' criticism stop me."

The bookworm puffed out her chest in pride, causing Hifumi to chuckle.

.

Rank Up!

Confidant: Hifumi Togo. Arcana: Star. Rank: 2.

.

Perhaps being weird was a good thing. It meant that the girls could be weird together instead of normal but alone.

…Hopefully Urano wouldn't be too put off when Hifumi told her about photoshoot her mother was pushing her to do.

(She wasn't, simply commenting that Hifumi would make a beautiful model. Oddly, while the shogi player would get frustrated whenever her mother said something like that, hearing it from the bookworm's mouth made her happy, if flustered.)

AN: Yes, despite deciding on Confidant Chapters, I still included a Rank Up in the main story. It just felt like a good moment to include it. I suppose I might do more in the future (outside of story-relevant Rank Ups) if I find more opportunities.

I also made Urano, Morgana, and Futaba into the Weirdo Trio. No relation to the Monster Trio or Weakling Trio from One Piece.

Anyway, that's all for now. Bye!

Confidants: Morgana (Magician, Rank 6), Igor (Fool, Rank 4), Sojiro Sakura (Hierophant, Rank 10), Ryuji Sakamoto (Chariot, Rank 10), Tae Takemi (Death, Rank 3), Futaba Sakura (Hermit, Rank 3), Makoto Niijima (High Priestess, Rank 3), Shinya Oda (Tower, Rank 1), Caroline and Justine (Strength, Rank 2), Toranosuke Yoshida (Sun, Rank 3), Ann Takamaki (Lovers, Rank 10), Haru Okumura (Empress, Rank 1), Sadayo Kawakami (Temperance, Rank 1), Hifumi Togo (Star, Rank 2), Chihaya Mifune (Fortune, Rank 1), Yuuki Mishima (Moon, Rank 1).