AN: This is just a heads up, but classes have started up for me. I might not post new chapters as often.

Also, I realized I should've had Iwai's Confidant start during Madarame's Palace. I'm not going to go back and add it in, but I will state right now that it was retroactively initiated May 27 (Ch. 23).

FF – Thanks NightmareKnight1. You're right about it being 'Priestess' in all of the games; I just misremembered it as 'High Priestess.'

AO3 – Thank you reinDank and Super_Big_Mac. reinDank, I don't have any plans for original Targets, I just thought it was weird that a clear crook like Tsukasa wasn't made a Target or otherwise prevented from repeating his crimes (hence the broken nose, too). Super_Big_Mac, though that would be hilarious and Futaba would laugh, I don't have any plans for a hot spring scene. Sorry.

Spaceport of Greed – Part 1

June 13 – Monday

Morgana's PoV

"…My father is highly regarded as a manager, but I have various… doubts about him," Haru told the Phantom Thieves. "Things have grown quite serious lately… I want my father to atone for his crimes."

After Urano arrived at the hideout (i.e. the attic of Leblanc) with Haru in tow, the latter began to explain her request for the Phantom Thieves to change her father's heart.

(Well, after they'd finished lecturing Ryuji for saying that they were the Phantom Thieves so loudly that Haru overheard despite Urano not being on speaker phone, that is. Honestly, it was pure luck that nobody at Leblanc heard him.)

"Is anyone against taking Haru's request?" asked Urano. Morgana could tell from her expression that the bookworm was worried about someone refusing.

"Do we even have a choice?" responded Ryuji sourly. "Won't she expose our identities if we refuse?"

"And whose fault is that?" retorted Morgana, causing the former athlete to scowl at him.

"Oh, don't worry," reassured Haru. Naturally, she was speaking to Ryuji, as someone who'd never been to the Metaverse couldn't understand the not-cat. "Even if you refuse my request, I won't tell anybody your identities. Urano's my friend, after all, and I truly believe that the Phantom Thieves are just!"

Haru certainly seemed sincere, although it didn't matter either way. Nobody had any problem changing the heart of a corrupt CEO.

"Kunikazu Okumura," Urano spoke into the MetaNav.

[Candidate found.] responded the app. [Please input the location and nature of the distortion.]

"Location and nature?" repeated Makoto, slightly surprised. "So then Haru's father has a Palace. I suppose that means we've discovered our next big target."

"Palace?" questioned Haru.

Urano and Makoto took her aside to explain the Metaverse and the Phantom Thieves' methods. Meanwhile, Morgana and the others began guessing what the keywords for Okumura's Palace were.

Thanks to Futaba (and the internet), they were able to identify 'Okumura Foods Corporate Headquarters' as the location. However, the nature of the distortion eluded them.

Everyone, including Haru, brainstormed about what it could be. They tried 'farm,' 'slave farm,' 'factory,' 'slave factory,' 'mill,' and 'slave mill,' among other places that produced goods and their slavery variants. They also attempted rulership-oriented ideas like 'castle' or 'empire,' but to no avail. They even tried suffering-based locations like 'hell,' 'torture chamber,' and 'school' (Ryuji's idea) without any success.

Eventually, they had to call it a day. At Makoto's suggestion, they all agreed to visit Okumura Foods HQ tomorrow – except Haru, to avoid dragging her into the Metaverse – in order to gather clues about the final keyword.

June 14 – Tuesday

Yusuke Kitagawa's PoV

"Holy crap, this place is huge…" said Ryuji, awed by the size of Okumura Foods Corporate Headquarters.

"It is the headquarters of a large organization, after all," observed Yusuke.

The artist had actually become rather familiar with Okumura Foods as of late. Or rather, with Big Bang Burger, which had provided him with several cheap but filling meals after Madarame's arrest. It was disappointing, finding out the business that had aided him in a time of need was so rotten inside.

Almost as disappointing was the discovery that only employees and business guests were allowed into the building. In other words, the Phantom Thieves couldn't enter the building and investigate for clues as to the nature of Okumura's distortion.

"Even if we can't go inside, we can still guess at keywords from out here," suggested Urano, attempting to salvage the situation. "That way, we won't have wasted the trip out here. So, does anybody have any new ideas for keywords?"

They did, but none of those ideas succeeded. The group thought about how Okumura would view the corporation, making guesses such as 'body' (an extension of himself) and 'ship' (with him as captain).

"Maybe we're looking at this wrong," commented Morgana, a pensive look on his face. "The whole problem is the Okumura doesn't care about his employees, so why would his distortion be about them?"

"But then what does he care about?" wondered Urano. "Haru doesn't really seem that close to him, so I doubt it's 'family.' Could it be money? 'Bank'?"

The MetaNav buzzed. Incorrect.

"Perhaps we should talk with Haru again," offered Makoto. "She likely knows more about what matters to her father. Even if she doesn't, she may at least be able to get us into the building."

Yusuke agreed with the team strategist. The artist knew nothing about Okumura beyond the man being CEO of Okumura Foods and, by extension, controlling Big Bang Burger, and he doubted the others knew much more.

…Hmm. 'Big Bang' Burger. Since Okumura was in charge of the restaurant chain, perhaps he was responsible for its theme.

"'Big Bang,'" attempted Yusuke, only for the supernatural app to reject it. "Then, what about 'Outer Space'?"

Ding! The MetaNav reacted to that, initiating navigation into the Metaverse.

Yusuke grinned enthusiastically, his hand unconsciously moving to the sketchpad – recently purchased with a sizable portion of his meager funds – in his bag. Surely, as a monument to human desire, Okumura Palace would inspire an enthralling painting!

Urano Motosu's PoV

Once we got our bearings, I stopped by the Velvet Room to update my selection of Personas.

"Our master wishes to speak with you!" announced Caroline as I entered. Her command didn't include any insults, a sign that our relationship was improving. Probably. "Heed his words!"

To my surprise, Igor's comments weren't as vague as they normally were.

"You stand at a critical juncture, Trickster," spoke the long-nosed man. He still sported his usual creepy grin, but it seemed a bit forced today. "One wrong step and you may lose all possibility of completing your rehabilitation. I would advise that you not treat this Palace the same as those before. Do not act hastily."

"Our master does not normally offer such guidance," added Justine. "I suggest you treasure his advice."

Hmm…. This 'critical juncture' must be something really important if Igor was directly telling me to be careful. Could it be…!

"Is Black Mask connected to Okumura's Palace!?" I exclaimed, causing Caroline to whack my cell bars with her baton and yell at me for my 'insolent behavior.'

Igor merely chuckled, indicating that we'd returned to the pattern where he makes cryptic comments that only make sense later on and ignores everything I say.

"Urgh, I thought we were done with that," I grumbled quietly, not wanting to set off Caroline again. Complaining wouldn't get me anywhere, though, and there was still my original reason for coming here. I raised my voice, addressing the warden twins. "Can you get out the compendium? I've got some Personas I'd like to summon and fuse."

"Very well, Inmate," spoke Justine, thankfully less of a tsundere than her sister.

After a bit of work, I completed my latest assignment from the twin wardens – producing a Matador with Magaru.

"Hm…?" went Justine after Caroline praised her for creating the list of assignments. "I am not the one who wrote it. I had always assumed it was you…"

"What!?" cried Caroline, shocked and confused. "I don't know anything about that thing."

They didn't seem to believe that Igor had written the list either. It felt strange that they didn't know where it came from despite how important it was to them.

"Do you have any other siblings?" I suggested. "Maybe an older sister or brother? They might've written it for you."

The girls frowned at that, scrunching their faces as if they were trying hard to remember something.

"Older…" began Caroline.

"…Siblings?" finished Justine.

The two ultimately gave up. Judging by their sighs, the memories they were searching for had evaded them.

"…No, for as long as I remember, it's only ever been Caroline and me," answered Justine. "And our master."

"It doesn't matter," stated Caroline, though I got the feeling that her words weren't directed at me. "Just keep quiet and focus on finishing your tasks, Inmate!"

Regardless of what they said, however, it was clear that the list's origin bothered them. I guess I wasn't the only one who was struggling to solve a mystery – Black Mask's identity – without any clues.

.

Rank Up!

Confidant: Caroline and Justine. Arcana: Strength. Rank: 3.

.

Hmm. I wonder if Igor's tendency to ignore questions and give vague answers ever got on their nerves, too. It'd explain why they didn't want to talk about the mystery of the list's origin with him.

Futaba Sakura's PoV

"Oracle Mode Change to… Outer Space Mode!"

Once Harlequin returned from her mystery room, the Phantom Thieves transformed their costumes into more space-themed attire.

AN: This time, it's EDENS ZERO (the only space manga/anime I've seen, not counting near the end of UQ Holder). Urano is in Rebecca's Battle Station suit (I don't know if it has a proper name, but it's on the 'Battle Stations' page of the Wiki), Futaba is in Hermit's Battle Dress, Ryuji is in the Arsenal Suit Mark I (no helmet), Makoto is in Valkyrie's regular outfit, Ann is in Sister's Battle Dress (no nun's habit or wings), and Yusuke is in Jinn's outfit (essentially a space ninja).

"…Damn," said Skull, gawking at the girls.

"Undo Mode Change! Undo!" yelled Oracle, flustered by the skintight nature of her new clothes.

"This is so embarrassing!" cried Queen in agreement, despite having the physique to pull it off.

"Why is my outfit so much more revealing than everyone else's!?" cried Panther, simultaneously trying to cover the deep neckline and pull down the 'skirt' of her new outfit to better conceal her fine legs.

(In the back of her mind, Oracle noticed Mona drooling at Panther.)

"Perhaps I should sketch this," mused Fox.

"Don't you dare!" shouted Harlequin, her face crimson. "Harlequin Mode Change to… Thief Mode!"

Luckily, the bookworm's chant succeeded in reverting her outfit to its original appearance. Oracle and the other girls quickly followed suit.

With that debacle over, the Phantom Thieves began exploring Okumura's Palace. However, it wasn't long before they reached their first obstacle – an electronic door blocking the only path forward.

"PERFORMING BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION." announced the door's security system, scanning Oracle. "AUTHORIZATION ERROR. ONLY REGISTERED PERSONNEL MAY PROCEED PAST THIS POINT."

Oracle would've liked to hack the door open, but, unfortunately, there was no way to access the door's system from here. The computer that ran it was probably kept in a security room on the other side of the door.

Skull tried slamming himself into the door and attacking it with Seiten Taisei, yet neither left so much as a scratch. Mona scoured the area for vents or alternate paths they could use, but the not-cat wasn't able to find anything viable.

Ultimately, they were forced to accept that the only way forward would be to bring the only 'registered personnel' they could think of to the scanner, which meant taking Haru into her father's Palace.

None of them were all that happy about it. Even if Haru was willing to put her life on the line – nobody would blame her if she wasn't – escort quests were always the most difficult in games. Worse, there'd be no do-overs.

"Jeez, if only we could force Haru to unlock a Persona," grumbled Oracle. If the ojou could also fight, then it would be a lot safer to her here.

It was just a pointless wish, though; a way to vent her frustration. There was no way it was actually possible.

"Ah!" exclaimed Harlequin, looking at Oracle with an excited expression. "That's a great idea!"

…Eh?

"Oh no…" groaned Mona. "Our leader's come up with another crazy idea."

June 15 – Wednesday

Urano Motosu's PoV

As luck would have it, Haru was willing to enter the Palace and try out my plan to deliberately make her obtain a Persona.

"I don't think this will work," observed Mona. Even though he agreed to go along with my plan, the not-cat had remained skeptical of it. "Our Personas were awakened by our wills of rebellion. That isn't something that can be faked or forced."

The first part of my plan was showing Noir (Haru had already picked out a codename) the scene of Cognitive Okumura Foods employees being worked until they broke down. I didn't like showing her such a terrible sight, but it would stir her feelings of rebellion toward her father.

"Haven't you heard the phrase 'serendipity by design'?" I replied confidently. "Haru's… Noir's feelings are genuine, so there's nothing fake or forced about it. Besides, even if it doesn't work, we can jump in and save Noir immediately."

The second and final part of my plan was to have Noir fight a random Shadow. So far, everyone had acquired their Personas by declaring their wills of rebellion while facing enemies. By having Noir do the same, she should gain a Persona of her own. I think.

"Halt, evildoer!" declared Noir to a Black Ooze. "I won't allow my father's immoral business practices to continue any longer!"

If I'm being honest, I don't know how Noir could say 'halt, evildoer' with a straight face.

"…Who the hell are you?" asked the Shadow, confused by Noir's monologue. "And what the fuck are you talking about?"

"I am Noir, a Phantom Thief of Heart!" she announced, unperturbed by the Black Ooze's response. "And I am here to steal my father's Treasure and change his heart!"

"Huh?" went the Shadow. "That doesn't tell me any–"

I'm not sure if his confusion was because he didn't know what a Treasure was or if he didn't realize that Noir was Okumura's daughter. Either way, he was interrupted by a cry of pain from Noir as a mask formed on her face.

"It worked!" I cheered as Noir's Persona awakened.

This was great! Being able to create Persona Users at will was a huge deal! Sure there were only a handful of people who I'd trust with Personas – Dad and my other Confidants, minus Akechi – but that'd still mean more allies to fight Black Mask… with… huh?

"Is it me, or did that feel a bit… lackluster?" I asked, referring to Noir's awakening.

Sure, Noir screamed and bled when she pulled off her mask (was I becoming desensitized to this?). However, compared to the huge, intimidated pillar of light that accompanied every other Persona awakening I'd seen, Noir's was more like… well… a lone sparkler. Did something go wrong?

"It's not just you," confirmed Oracle, Prometheus already pulled out. "Noir's Persona is weaker than any of yours were when they awakened."

Ah, so that's why the lightshow was so small.

"Psi!" shouted the new Persona user, unleashing an attack on the Shadow.

But, despite Psy being its weakness, the Black Slime was barely wounded by the attack.

"Is she strong enough to take down the Black Slime?" I asked Oracle.

"That's a negative, captain."

"…Phantom Thieves, rollout!"

"I told you that forcing an awakening wouldn't work," said a smug Mona after the fight.

Once we'd taken care of the Shadow, we told Noir about her Persona's weakness and returned to the entrance of the Palace to figure out our next move. We probably could've gone to the door with the biometric scanner, but Igor's words made me feel uneasy about changing ahead recklessly.

(…Come to think of it, bringing Noir into the Palace without a Persona and having her fight a Shadow alone to unlock one was pretty reckless, too. Oops?)

We also told Noir about Mode Changing, prompting her to try it out.

"Noir Mode Change to… Outer Space Mode!"

AN: As you can probably guess if you've read/watched EDENS ZERO, Haru's outfit is Witch's Battle Dress sans helmet. It's Urano and her Four Shining Stars (and the rest)!

"Noir Mode Change to… Thief Mode!"

Once she switched back from embarrassment (what was with this Palace's Mode Changes!?), we began discussing what to do given how Noir's awakening turned out.

"I don't get why we're even talking about this," said Skull. "She's got a Persona, doesn't she?"

"Maybe, but it isn't strong enough for Noir to protect herself," replied Panther.

"Does it really need to be?" countered Oracle. "I can't fight directly either, but there isn't a problem with me being here."

"True," agreed Queen. "And there's no way of knowing if there are any more biometric scanners deeper in the Palace, though that's assuming we're right about Noir being the key to passing them in the first place."

"Plus, this is her father's Palace," observed Fox. "It's only fair that she be allowed to participate in changing her own parent's heart."

The others were clearly in favor of letting Noir join just, though there was still one very important opinion that remained to be heard.

"What do you think, Noir?" I asked. "Do you want to keep exploring the Palace with us, despite the risk?"

"Yes," responded Noir. "It's my responsibility to change my father's wicked heart, and I intend to see that duty through to the end."

Well, that settled it. Noir would be joining us. However, in the interest of being less reckless going forward, we'd be making some preparations first to ensure that she'd be as safe as possible.

June 16 – Thursday

Haru Okumura's PoV

"…and I clearly remember seeing a few model grenade launchers," Urano told Haru, sitting at her desk and crafting a lockpick while Morgana supervised.

The girls and not-cat were in the bookworm's room, preparing to visit a model weapons store that Urano frequented for Phantom Thievery equipment. Haru was pleased to hear that the shop could accommodate her style of weaponry.

"By the way, I've been wondering something," interjected Haru, glancing at Morgana. "Why is it that Morgana wasn't using a Mode Change in my father's Palace? Was his outfit also unpleasant?"

Haru and Urano both blushed at the memory of their skintight outfits. Then, Haru noticed Urano's reddened cheek and became even more flushed as her mind filled with thoughts of the bookworm in an outfit similar to her own. Luckily, the two girls were able push away their embarrassment by focusing on the not-cat's response.

"It's because I'm not interested," answered Morgana. "A Mode Change would probably only transform my scarf into a different accessory. Something space themed, like one of those fishbowl-shaped helmets you see in cartoons. I'd look like a kid playing astronaut, and there's no way I'm doing that!"

One thing Haru had learned about Morgana was that the not-cat was sensitive about looking like a little kid. Although, in truth, the way he reacted to it was part of what convinced Haru that Urano and the others were right about Morgana's age.

"Not necessarily," said Urano, a thoughtful look on her face. "You can change your entire body in the Metaverse, so it's possible that the scarf would stay the same and you'd become another animal. Maybe a monkey, since they were famously sent into space before humans…"

"That's even worse than looking like a kid! I never want to be a monkey! Ryuji would laugh at me since I used to call him a monkey, and I don't even want to imagine what Lady Ann would think!"

Haru and Urano tried to stifle the laughter that Morgana's reaction elicited, though a few chuckles still escaped. Fortunately, before the not-cat could erupt in rage, a thought occurred to Haru that made Morgana forget his anger.

"What if you used Mode Change to become a human?" she asked.

Morgana and Urano's eyes widened in surprise. They exchanged glances, clearly considering the possibility.

"Maybe," said Urano, uncertain. "It'd probably only last in the Metaverse, but animals turning into people is a part of human…"

The not-cat grinned widely.

"…although cats in particular usually only turn into cute girls, so there's a risk that Morgana will become one too."

The not-cat's wide grin froze. After a few seconds, his rage returned in full force.

"DAMNIT URANO!" screamed Morgana furiously. "Why would you say that!? Now I can't stop thinking about a human transformation turning me into a girl! And since that's a part of my cognition now, there's a serious possibility that it'll actually happen! Why couldn't you have kept your mouth shut! YOU STUPID BIG SISTER!"

The not-cat threw a tantrum for a while, with the bookworm meekly apologizing throughout it. Eventually, he stormed off to Futaba's room to seek comfort from his other sister and cool down.

"…Maybe we should go to Untouchable now," offered Haru. Urano nodded weakly.

Munehisa Iwai's PoV

I am thou, thou art I…

Thou hast acquired a new vow.

.

It shall become the wings of rebellion

That breaketh thy chains of captivity.

.

With the birth of the Hanged Man Persona,

I have obtained the winds of blessing that

Shall lead to freedom and new power…

.

Confidant: Munehisa Iwai. Arcana: Hanged Man. Rank: 1.

.

Jingle-jingle.

Hearing the front door to Untouchable open, Munehisa glanced up to see Motosu entering the shop with an unfamiliar, enthusiastic-looking girl. Munehisa didn't pay much attention to that girl, though, instead gesturing for Motosu to come over.

Motosu gave the new girl some directions on where to find specific items before approaching Munehisa.

"It's pretty lucky that you needed me today," said Motosu. "I was already planning on bringing Haru here soon."

"Convenient," replied Munehisa indifferently. "Listen, I'm gonna meet with a guy at the diner soon. I need you to sit close by. When I give you the signal, call me. The signal is when I cough, got it?"

"I understand," answered Motosu. "Can Haru come with me, or is this something you want to keep private?"

"Private."

"I'll say goodbye to her once she's done shopping, then."

"Good."

Ten minutes later, after Motosu's friend made her purchases (it was mildly off-putting how cheerful that girl was while purchasing a model axe and grenade launcher), Munehisa and Motosu departed for the diner. To keep anyone from connecting the dots between them, Munehisa told the girl to trail behind him and bit and wait a few minutes before entering the diner.

Masa, the guy Munehisa was meeting with, showed up between Munehisa's entrance and Motosu's. Masa didn't seem to notice the girl, much less suspect her of anything, so Munehisa continued with his plan. He talked to Masa about burying the hatchet with Tsuda, gave the signal to Motosu, and then used her call as an excuse to end the meeting.

Then, Munehisa listened to Masa speak with Tsuda through Motosu's phone. He felt a touch of worry when Masa noticed Motosu staring at him, but she was able to play it off by pretending she was daydreaming.

"…Anyways, Iwai prolly heard about that deal of yours and now he's trying to squeeze some cash outta you… O-oh, sorry! No, it's… Yes. Sorry… Yes. I understand."

Masa hung up his phone and left after that.

Munehisa thanked Motosu for her work over the phone, then ended the call. The girl was more reliable than he'd expected her to be.

.

Rank Up!

Confidant: Munehisa Iwai. Arcana: Hanged Man. Rank: 2.

.

Everything went according to plan, yet Munehisa still felt troubled. What was this 'deal' of Tsuda's that Masa mentioned?

Whatever it was, at least he could on Motosu to help him out.

AN: I honestly have mixed feelings about the Morgana Mode Change stuff. On one hand, it's funny. On the other, it feels a bit cruel to tease that he could've become human (even if temporarily) only to snatch it away from him. I'll probably have Urano do something to apologize to him next chapter.

Confidants: Morgana (Magician, Rank 10), Igor (Fool, Rank 5), Sojiro Sakura (Hierophant, Rank 10), Ryuji Sakamoto (Chariot, Rank 10), Tae Takemi (Death, Rank 3), Futaba Sakura (Hermit, Rank 10), Makoto Niijima (High Priestess, Rank 10), Shinya Oda (Tower, Rank 1), Caroline and Justine (Strength, Rank 3), 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), Munehisa Iwai (Hanged Man, Rank 2), Goro Akechi (Justice, Rank 1).