Chapter 9: Deal to Road Trip!

July 24th, 2017.

"And now for the 'Hottest Meet-and-Greet', Alice Hiiragi has returned as our special guest." The audience applauds as Alice bows to them politely. Her eyes betray nothing as she turns to the host. "Miss Alice, thank you so much for coming today despite the last visit's conclusion. But from what I heard, there is something you wish to tell us?" The smile on her face vanishes as guilt seeps from her eyes. Her whole demeanour changed as though a switch had been flicked.

"Yes. There is something I need to confess…" The host's face shifts from a smile to that of shock as a silent gasp fills the audience. A silent question rings in their minds as Alice turns to look at the camera. Her face was resolute. "The incident that occurred with the previous hosts, that was…all my fault. I forced them to proclaim their love for me during a live broadcast. When I heard they were both engaged, I just wanted to ruin it…"

"Miss Alice!?"

"And they are not the only ones…" Alice continues, her gaze never leaving the cameras. "Anytime I see a happy couple, I just get so jealous… I do whatever it takes to ruin their lives. All of my past managers have tried so hard to stop me. But then I'd lash out at them too… and I'd assault them until they'd back down… Everything here I have said here is the truth. I'm sure all of it is easy enough to prove now... I've lied, and I've…hurt so many people… And I'm just so sorry for it all!"

As confusion ran through the minds of the audience and host, one dawning realisation entered their minds. As they all remembered the late-night broadcast from last night.

The Phantom Thieves have struck one again.

"I'M the one who did it all! No one but me did these horrible things! I'm sorry…I'm so sorry!" And moments later, the TV cuts straight to a commercial as the Thieves watch the fallout from inside Leblanc.

"Alice…" Ann whispers as Ryuji rubs her comfortingly.

"She really did confess like the others." Shiho remarks with a sad frown. "But… she was really calm when she did so."

"Yeah. All the others broke down into tears when they confessed." Mishima agrees. "Was Yaldabaoth making them overreact when they broke down?"

"It wouldn't surprise me if he did. To fuel our ego." Ren remarks bitterly before glancing back at the TV. "If that's how they were supposed to react, I think things would have been a lot different."

"Either way, Alice has confessed. The police have already begun moving in." Akechi remarks, closing his phone. "Also, thay have begun investigations into the woman who made it her mission to make Alice's life a living hell. It is safe to say that charges will be placed against her fairly soon. Along with being an accomplice to her actions as an initial source."

"Good." Ann says simply before glancing over to Futaba. "By the way, what was the reception for us?"

"As you would have expected, it blew up. Lots of hype, fear, you name it." Futaba replies, looking through the comments. "And the Phansite is seeing a LOT of attention as well."

"Well, whatever may come, we did our job." Morgana remarks, giving himself a scratch. "Let's hope this will be enough to convince Zenkichi."

"Well, the people who had their Desires stolen are back to normal." Sumire comments, looking at her phone. "They are posting apologies like it's no tomorrow."

"My son was about to blow our savings on Alice merchandise, but the Phantom Thieves rescued him. Thank you, Phantom Thieves." Yusuke reads one of the comments with a smile. "How rewarding to be thanked. A greater feeling than any sense of pride from seeing our foes fall apart."

"I'm seeing a lot of them saying, 'I want my money back'." Ryuji remarks, glancing through his phone.

"Eh, can't be helped. We steal Desires, not money." Isara quips beside Futaba.

"Something tells me a lot of them aren't really victims of Alice. But are only jumping on the train as it were." Hifumi remarks, shaking her head.

"Nevertheless: Mission Complete." Sophia chimes from Ren's phone, earning a small smile from him. While in his mind, he could see a second star had appeared on her tarot card. When did that happen?

"What do you think will happen to Alice now?" Haru asks as Ann lets out a sigh.

"It'll be impossible for her to make it big in the industry now. Not with a scandal this big."

"No matter what she did, even if she is a victim herself, there are consequences for all actions." Kawakami replies with an understanding look. "Something that we all know far too well."

"Yeah." Ann replies before putting on a smile. "But, if she can find that spark, that feeling, that Alice had when she first started out, then I'm sure she will be fine again. She can still be a ray of hope, even if she has to start a different path."

"Provided her sentence isn't long. But how that will go will be up to the courts to decide." Akechi replies cautiously.

"That reminds me, we still need to ask her for information." Makoto suddenly interjects. "She might know something that can help us better understand how the Jails work. Or how she was able to access it in the first place. Or even who is the Mastermind behind it all."

"But how will you do that? I imagine she will be in police custody by now." Sojiro says cautiously. "Unless you got up to the police station and asked to see her."

"Somehow, I don't think that would work." Ren replies, shaking his head.

"Geez… and her agency is going to want to do anything with her either…" Ann remarks with a frown. Just as everyone began to ponder on what to do next, the door to Leblanc was opened with a familiar figure entering the building.

"An enlightening conversation as always in here." Zenkichi remarks as he enters, turning all eyes to him. "Sup? How's it hangin', folks?"

"Aw, you again, Gramps!?" Futaba remarks in annoyance. Instantly turning his head to her.

"Hey, I won't deny that I'm older than you guys. But that still stings, you know?" He says with a hurt look as she shakes his head. Before turning to Sojiro. "Other than you."

"Whippersnapper." Sojiro remarks, earning chuckles from the Thieves as he lets out a smirk.

"Sure, laugh it up. But anyway, you guys really hop to work when your minds are set, don'tcha?"

"To what are you referring?" Makoto asks, slipping one leg over the other.

"Don't play stupid. I gave you solid intel, yeah? Well, I came today for your response to my offer. You know, the deal? And I can add in a little bonus your way as well. Such as…running some questions by Alice for you? You were all just saying you wanted info from her, right?"

"Damn, he's got good ears…" Morgana remarks, earning Zenkichi's gaze.

"Huh. I never realised a cat was here. Is that…"

"He's fine." Sojiro instantly steps in. "He's been here for as long as Ren has. And not once has he caused any problems. That, and he knows to stay out of the kitchen and bar."

"I see…" Zenkichi replies, turning back to the Thieves. "As you guys already know, Alice confessed on live TV. And is currently in police custody. I bet you're thinking that her confession and the live broadcast took some heat off you, yeah?"

"Are you saying it didn't?" Yusuke asks, folding his arms.

"Yes and no." Zenkichi replies. "Yes, that it didn't, and no, that it did."

"So you are saying that the ones who believe we are not responsible for the changes of heart are now convinced, while those who believe us guilty are more convinced. How troublesome…" Akechi replies, shaking his head.

"Indeed I am. Although, the group who are after your heads are small in number. So even if they are biting at the bit to get you, they have no evidence other than that flimsy photo." Zenkichi confirms. "But something tells me you guys understand how badly a position you are in." The Thieves glance at each other, no more so than the original eight. This sort of situation reminded them too much of when they were accused of murdering Okumura.

"And that's why I offered you guys the deal. The reason why I'm not cuffing anyone is because I believe none of you are the culprit. To catch the true perpetrator, I need your help."

"So you also believe that there is a Mastermind behind all of this. Like how Shido was behind the Mental Shutdowns." Ren comments, earning a nod from the inspector.

"Bingo. As you guys said in that broadcast, the M.O. of these changes does not match your own. To use your own words, someone is copying your gimmick for evil ends." The Thieves glance at each other before Makoto lets out a sigh.

"Can you give us a moment to speak between ourselves?"

"Sure. Just holler when you are ready." Zenkichi acquests, heading outside. Leaving the Thieves alone to discuss.

"It is just as we surmised. We are suspects of all of the Changes of Heart happening around the country." Yusuke remarks, leaning on one of the seats.

"Yeah…can confirm…" Futaba remarks, looking at her phone. "Strange things have been happening all right, but until we found Alice's Jail, I thought they were trolling. Now, I'm all but convinced there are more cases of evil changes. Cases that didn't make headline news, but plenty of them."

"Does this mean that we really have no choice but to take Gramps offer?" Ryuji asks with a frown.

"It may be our only way to clear out names." Haru admits with a frown.

"Meaning that there are more Jails and Monarchs for us to take down. But…this is the entire country we're talking about." Sumire comments, shaking her head. "All of our actions have been localised here in Tokyo."

"What do you think, Ren? Should we take the deal?" Morgana asks. Ren glances around the room, his mind racing with plans. Before a certain idea pops into his head, he lets out a grin.

"Let's make the deal. But, we take the wind out of Gramps sails."

"What do you mean?" Shiho asks, tilting her head. Ren glances at her, his grin getting wider.

"Simple. We show Gramps the Jail."

"Show him the Jail?" Makoto asks with wide eyes.

"Yes. We tell Gramps everything and show him the Jail. Once he sees what's really going on, then he won't be able to hold all the cards over us. At the moment, he thinks he has us because they are only thinking in normal means. But if he finds out, there is a supernatural fact behind this…"

"This is going to be a running joke, isn't it?" Isara whispers to Futaba, who has a giant grin on her face.

"It would turn everything on its head and sweep the rug from under him." Akechi ends with a growing grin. "I like that idea…"

"You do know it's going to blow his mind when he sees it, right?" Sojiro asks the team, but the smile on both his and Teach's faces tells them what they are thinking. A grin that was soon matched on everyone's faces.

"Oh, his reaction is going to be GLORIOUS!" Isara quips as Futaba lets out a chuckle.

"Well, let's tell him our answer then." Ryuji replies with a shark grin. Kawakami nods, moving to the door to call him back in. And Zenkichi does with a smile, although he was slightly taken aback by all the grins that the Thieves were wearing. It was…discomforting if he was to put a name on it.

"So… I take it you have come to a decision?" He asks, glancing around. "I gotta admit, that was faster than I expected."

"We know how each other thinks." Ren replies with a grin as he stands up to walk to him. "But, before we do anything, there is something we need to show you."

"Something?" Zenkichi asks, raising an eyebrow.

"More specifically, a place." Makoto replies, walking forward. "Follow us. And we will explain things along the way." Bewilders, confused and slightly concerned, Zenkichi follows the group as they leave Leblanc. Raising an eyebrow at Futaba, who carries the tank model with them. Was she that attached to it? But it was what they were telling him as they made their way to the overlook in Shibuya Underground that made him really concerned for these people.

"I see… a Jail full of Shadows…" He remarks as they come to a stop. Once again, the walkway was devoid of people. "With Monarchs seizing Desires, was it? All right… what's say we get you all tested for drugs now? If you are going to cook up some fantasy to sell me, perhaps try a little less spice next time."

"Just save it for now. We're about to take you into the Cognitive World."

"The what now?" Zenkichi asks, not noticing how Ren is whispering something to his phone. Closing his eyes just as their vision was consumed by lines of red and black. He could feel a strange phenomenon washing over him as he opened his eyes, looking over Shibuya. "So, are you going to answer me orrr…? Huh?" Zenkichi's eyes bulge out as he looks up at the 705 Building. Or…what should have been the 705 building but was somehow turned into a castle! And that it was somehow night-time as well! "Wha…What!? What is… This… This isn't real…"

"Everything here is real. Every last bit you can see." Ren's voice echoes behind him, causing him to turn around. But what he saw was not a group of innocent-looking people but a team decked out in outfits and masks.

"Whoa! What happened!? What are those outfits for!? Wait…those are the same outfits and masks in the Calling Card videos!"

"Yep, this is just what we expected to happen." Skull remarks with a grin.

"Surly, you recognise our Phantom Thief attire?" Panther asks with a smug grin.

"Ha…HAHAHAH! What even IS this!? Where AM I!?" Zenkichi asks in shock, his eyes believing what he is seeing before him.

"Questions! This is a Jail. You are currently located in a Jail." Sophie cheerfully tells him, even as Queen and Joker pull her back slightly.

"Wait, who are YOU!?" Zenkichi asks, taking a step back at seeing the sudden new face.

"I am Sophia. Humanities Companion. Nice to meet you." Sophie greets cheerfully as Zenkichi looks around in a daze. Not even noticing Mona walk up to him.

"Chill out Zenkichi. You've gotta keep yourself together." He tells him, electing a sigh from the inspector.

"Right. Yeah, yeah. I can't be losin' my shit like—MONSTER CAT!" Zenkichi screams, taking a step back.

"I am NOT a monster cat!" Mona shouts, jumping high into the air. "I am Morgana!"

"Haven't heard that in a while." Outlaw comments with a grin.

"So, do you finally believe us, inspector?" Crow asks, arms folded. Yet Zenkichi didn't even pay him a notice.

"The hell? How much did I drink last night? This just has to be a dream! I'm still passed out!" He shouts, promoting Edelweiss to walk up to him and smack him in the arm. Earning a sharp ow from him as she walks back to the group.

"Nope. You're still awake." She snarks, her mask retracting to reveal the grin on her face.

"Another new face!? How many of you are there!?" Zenkichi asks, shaking his head. "This is a dream, right? But I felt that pain…"

"Looks like Gramps is having a meltdown." Oracle remarks with s mirk. Promoting a chuckle out of Fox.

"That still sounds rather worrisome…" Noir comments.

"I think we just blew his mind, is all." Spring replies with a grin.

"We all reacted similarly during our first visit…. Ah… such innocence we had back then." Fox comments poetically.

"You make it sound like it was years ago…" Boss replies, shaking his head.

"Oh, brother… I suppose we should head back then." Queen asks Joker, who nods his head. Teach, seeing the inspector in a spiral path, grabs him by the arm and snaps him out of his funk.

"Come on. We're going back to reality." She tells him before dragging him away. Not knowing that he was looking at her current outfit. With a million questions running through his mind.

"How did you? A Valkyrie? Am I still dreaming?" He remarks, causing Teach to blush at being called a Valkyrie. Even as they return back to reality she goes back to her normal outfit in a flash of blue. "What is happening to me? Did I drive myself crazy trying to crack this case?" Zenkichi continued to ask, even as he was placed in the corner.

"Wow. He's still mind blown." Isara remarks from Futaba's feet.

"Probably overloaded from everything at once and can't catch up." Futaba remarks, crouching down.

"Even though we explained everything to him on the way over here…" Sumire remarks, shaking her head.

"Get ahold of yourself, Gramps." Sophia chimes in, yet even that is not enough to snap him out of his funk.

"Sheesh, how long does it need to take? C'mon, Earth to Zenkichi!" Morgana shouts, snapping Zenkichi from his funk as he finally looks up at the group. Fixing his glasses along the way.

"Oh, right, right. Gotta keep it together—This cat said my name! Wait, are you the monster cat from that place?! It's the monster cat!"

"I AM NOT A MONSTER CAT!" Morgana shouts back, somehow managing to cow the inspector.

"I am very happy that we are the only ones here…" Akechi comments with a grown while shaking his head.

"Since you've been to the Cognitive world and heard Morgana speak, you can now hear him in real life." Makoto tells Zenkichi evenly.

"Cats can talk if I'm cognitive of it? Is this related to that new medication going around?" Zenkichi asks, still out of it as he looks around.

"I think he's going to need a little more time to come to understand it." Haru comments with a smile.

"No… wait…give me a second…" Zenkichi replies, holding a hand up as he straightens out. Once more, fixing his glasses as he lets out a breath of air. "First off, sorry for losing my cool like that."

"Eh, it's fine. That happened to all of us." Kawakami tells him, folding her arms.

"I appreciate it…but I think I understand what's going on….maybe…. okay, I understand none of it. But, I'm going to strive to understand." Zenkichi replies.

"If we were going to make this deal, Zenkichi, you needed to be aware of the Metaverse." Ren tells him evenly. "And, by that extension, makes us all conspirators. And conspirators make a vow to never betray or break their trust in each other."

"…So you already know how all this works." Zenkichi acknowledges, looking around before letting out a sigh. "All right. Your trust is repaid with mine. Help me figure out who the mastermind behind the national Changes of Hearts is, and I'll make sure you are all protected."

"About that. We currently are under someone's protection. Mitsuru Kirijo of the Kirijo group." Ren tells the inspector. "Surely PubSec is aware of that, right?"

"The Kirijo group has you under their protection? We were never told that." Zenkichi remarks with surprise, a surprise that was evident in the Thieves' eyes. "If they are going that far to get you guys…. That is food for thought. Either way, you have my word. If PubSec tries to go around them, I'll make sure to keep the police off you. I won't let them lay a finger on any of you. That's my vow."

"Then we'll take your deal." Ren tells him, holding his hand out to Zenkichi, with the inspector letting out a smile.

"I'm glad we reached an agreement." Zenkichi replies, grasping Ren's hand. Just as time slows to a still, Ren's vision goes dark, with Lavenza's voice once again ringing in his ears.

I am thou, thou art I…

Thou hast acquired a new vow.

It shall become the wings of rebellion

That breaketh thy chain of captivity.

With the birth of the Apostle Persona,

I have obtained the winds of blessing that

Shall lead to freedom and new power…

That's…interesting. I'll keep that in mind. Ren mentally remarks, dropping his hand but not his grin.

"Now that we have that out of the way, I'll cut right to the chase on another incident that PubSec has their eyes on. Sapporo is a hotbed of activity, with reports of Change of Hearts sweeping the area like wildfire. And definitely way out of your standard target area of Tokyo. And I need you to be in Sapporo Central City by August 1st."

"Why does it need to be the 1st?" Mishima asks, tilting his head.

"Our suspect is out of the country on a business trip until then. We're kicking off the investigation within the hour they get back home."

"So it is likely that our suspect in Sapporo is another Monarch, like Alice." Yusuke deduces.

"That could be the case. And if it is a supernatural situation like Alice, then I'll leave you guys to handle it." Zenkichi tells them.

"So we're heading to Sapporo in Hokkaido, huh? This'll be quite the interesting little trip for us." Morgana comments with a grin. "Guess we're getting our summer trip in a different form."

"Before you get too hyped up, a word of caution." Zenkichi interjects before they can get hyped up. "You'll definitely want to avoid any source of public transportation. You're gonna want to either drive or hoof it."

"I can see why." Akechi suddenly remarks, hand on chin. "The sudden revival of the Phantom Thieves and their proclamation to hunt down the mastermind will no doubt send other Monarchs onto high alert. They may even have those they have brainwashed to try and eliminate us if they find out about us."

"Even though they don't know who we are?" Hifumi asks with narrow eyes. One that Akechi nods at.

"It's what he says. Someone at PubSec could be under the influence of a Monarch and has leaked that photo to them." Zenkichi agrees with a stern look. "And there is no way to tell if they are brainwashed until they act. And by then, it could be far too late."

"Hmm…looks like that request won't be wasted after all…" Sojiro quietly remarks as all eyes turn to him. "Don't worry about transportation. I have something you kids could use. But I can't come with you. I have a store to run, after all."

"We'll be down in firepower, but we understand Dad." Ren replies gently, nodding his head. "Thanks for helping in Alice's Jail, though."

"Like I'd not." Sojiro remarks, shaking his head.

"Well, sounds like we have a plan of action." Zenkichi remarks. "And don't worry, I'll send whatever we find out from Alice to you guys once we're done. Hopefully, you will be able to make sense if we can't. Here's to a solved case! And…" He glances at Morgana, still giving him an irritated look. "Sorry for calling you a monster cat, kitty."

"Hmph…I'll accept an apology in fatty tuna…" Morgana remarks as Zenkichi turns around. Letting his smile drop as the cold realisation dawns on him.

"Okay, Zenkichi…you didn't go crazy….this is all real….and you saw a Valkyrie as well…"

"Do I really look like a Valkyrie?" Kawakami asks, shaking her head as they watch him leave.

"There goes our summer vacation down the drain." Mishima remarks sadly while Shiho pats him on the back sympathetically.

"Yeah. Even if we solve this one, we'll just get sent to another city." Ryuji agrees with a similar lack of optimism.

"And the case will always be our top priority. Meaning we won't have as much time to have fun either." Sumire remarks, kicking her feet off the ground.

"But it's still summer vacation! Can't we have a little bit of fun?" Ann pleads, with Shiho nodding along.

"Yeah. We need to be there by the 1st, right? We have plenty of time to reach Sapporo by then."

"Personally, I'd like to try the local cuisine." Haru admits, with Morgana's eyes turning into glowing stars.

"Oh, oh! Me too! I want to try out some sushi!" Ren and Makoto shake their heads at the team, yet they are both smiling, nonetheless.

"Way to find the silver lining, guys." Ren remarks with a grin.

"But before we start going plan crazy, we need to go over some things before we leave." Makoto cautions, quickly glancing around the area. And not seeing a single soul, not even a hiding PubSec officer. "And the first thing we should discuss is EMMA."

"Well, it's clear it's not a normal app. Since it has this hidden function with the Jails and Monarchs." Futaba remarks with a shrug. "The only question is, how did someone even make an app that works like the Meta-Nav in the first place? And managed to get it working nationwide?"

"But we can just delete it if we want, right? wouldn't the designers have made it so you couldn't?" Hifumi asks, scratching her chin.

"Not only that, but the other functions of EMMA work perfectly fine." Akechi adds, rubbing his chin. "If it was 100% like the Meta-Nav, people would be falling into Jails on a daily occurrence. And yet that is not what is happening."

"We've all registered as friends on it, but that itself didn't change anything." Haru agrees with a worried look. "If that's the case, what even makes someone a Monarch to begin with?"

"Maybe the people who made it know?" Kawakami asks cautiously.

"Unlikely. The company in question is Madicce. A Japanese company that is an international IT firm, whose employees number in the tens of thousands. If our mastermind is a part of that, it would take forever to find them." Akechi remarks, shaking his head.

"What if Alice had a special version of EMMA? One that was specifically made to create Jail?" Ren asks.

"It's possible, but I need to get ahold of Alice's phone to be sure. At this point, we're only grasping at straws." Futaba replies, shaking her head.

"I'll reach out to the good inspector about it later. As a Detective, it should register no alarms since I am part of the Alice case to begin with." Akechi suggests, earning a nod from Futaba in return.

"There's another topic we need to discuss. The Jail." Yusuke suddenly comments, earning everyone's gaze.

"Right. It didn't vanish like the Palaces. It's still there." Morgana agrees. "There's so many differences between the two that it's not right to even compare them anymore."

"But we can be sure that there are more Jails around the country." Hifumi concludes with a frown. "Maybe we will get our answer by seeing more of them."

"So… in essence, we are working with the police, or rather the ones who believe our innocence, to find the cause of these Jails… but is that even enough?" Ann suddenly asks. "If the Jails are as bad as we have seen here, wouldn't it be even worse if we just left them alone? I mean, apart from the S.E.E.S and Investigation teams, we're the only ones who can do this."

"And it would be rather dickish of us to throw it on them." Ryuji agrees with a shake of his head. The Thieves glance at each other, a silent conversation passing between their eyes as they nod as one.

"You're right, Ann. It's our job to save people no matter what. And for the record, I was about to suggest that we tackle any Jail we come across in our journey to Sapporo." Ren replies with a serious look in his eye.

"But how will we even know if one is close?" Isara asks.

"Looks like it is time for the Sophia Show." Sophia suddenly remarks with a cheery smile.

"Oh? Do you have something, Sophia?" Makoto asks as she moves next to Ren.

"Yes. I can detect Jails in the vicinity by their scent."

"For real?" Sojiro remarks, earning a surprised look from Ryuji.

"Yes, for real. A Jail emits a distinct signature. When I enter a Jail's range, I can sense it. In fact…" Sophia pauses for a second, looking around her space with he eyes closed before looking back to the Thieves. "I can detect a faint presence right now. Coming from Yokohama."

"Yokohama…" Ren replies quietly, glancing away from the phone while Sophia tilts her head in a puzzled manner.

"That's great, Sophia. We'll be relying on you to find Jails for us." Makoto quickly speaks, seeing Ren's distress.

"Praise accepted~"

"There is still so much we do not understand. But at least we have a set path ahead of us." Yusuke remarks, folding his arms.

"A path I will be following you in." Kawakami suddenly remarks, stunning the group. "You didn't think I would be missing out on this, did you? I have the same powers as you. Sojiro may be unable to help, but I can. Besides, I'm not needed back at Shujin until the last day of summer break. So let me come, I'll even use my own care to save space. Besides…what mother would abandon her kids in a time of need?" She gives them a warm smile, letting them know that she meant what she said. Letting the team feel at ease for once.

"Kawakami… thank you." The Thieves tell her as one, making her smile grow even wider. Before Futaba turned to Sojiro with a curious expression.

"So, what exactly do you have, Sojiro? Because unless it's big, I doubt it would fit all of us."

"It's not what I have, but what is being delivered." He replies back, before getting a chime from his phone. "And it looks like it has arrived. Back to Leblanc, everyone." Confused, the team follow after Sojiro as they return to Leblanc. Where they found a certain someone waiting outside, with a large fluffy white coat.

"Mitsuru-san!" Sojiro calls, grabbing her attention as she turns around. Giving the team a warm smile.

"Ah, good. You are here." She replies as she walks towards them. "I wondered why Leblanc was closed when I arrived."

"Mitsuru-san? Why are you here?" Ren asks politely.

"I can explain later. For now, what has happened since our talk in the chat room?"

"…and that's all we know so far." Ren finishes as Mitsuru finishes her cup of coffee. They had retreated inside Leblanc for security and refreshments, while regaling Mitsuru of their situation.

"I see. Things are more complicated than we initially believed…" She comments, folding her hands. "To think that PubSec would willingly go against Kirijo protection… it makes one wonder. But are you sure it is wise to tell Hasegawa about the Metaverse?"

"It was the only way to get him to believe us." Ren replies, shaking his head. "Honestly, the fact we had to take his deal at all still stings a bit, but it's not like we can do anything else."

"So it appears." She replies, glancing around at the Thieves. "So, your next destination is Sapporo, correct?"

"That's the plan. The only problem is how we are getting there. We can't use public transportation, and trying to find multiple vehicles for us to use will be a problem…" Makoto replies with a grimace. Only to see Mitsuru smiling.

"Well, that is the reason why I am here." She replies, standing up. "If you can all follow me." Stepping out of Leblanc, the team follow Mitsuru towards a nearby parking area. Where they found a massive vehicle waiting for them. Standing at an impressive 12 meters in length, with the towering height and width of a truck, it looked to be a monster of a motor home. Painted in a deep reflective black with red and blue decals.

"That's huge! Is it a motorhome?" Kawakami asks as the Thieves gawk in surprise, with Mitsuru turning around to the team.

"It is indeed. This is one of three designed and built by the Kirijo group for us Persona users. S.E.E.S and the Investigation team have their own as well. But with blue and white decals for S.E.E.S and yellow for Investigation. In case we ever meet up." As she explained, a side door opened halfway along the side, and a set of stairs emerged from the bottom. Revealing two other figures as they descended the stairs, dressed like normal people, yet the Thieves knew who they really were.

"Hello everyone." Aigis greets the team, giving them a small bow.

"Yo, guys! Been a while." Labrys greets with an enthusiastic grin. "Where's our little sis?"

"Do you HAVE to call me that?" Isara asks, rolling up to the two. "Anyway, glad to see you guys again!"

"Same here, Isara!" Labrys remarks with a grin, reaching down to pat the model. Aigis glances at the team, her eyes scanning.

"Where is Sophia?"

"I'm here!" Sophia chimes from Ren's phone, who holds it out to the two Anti-Shadow androids. They look at the screen, seeing Sophia appear in her little space. "Hello. I am Sophia. Humanities companion."

"Hello to you too. I am Aigis."

"And I'm Labrys! Nice to meet ya!"

While the two androids are eager to meet Sophia, Mitsuru chuckles at the two's antics before turning to the Thieves. "I suppose you are interested in what it looks like on the inside?"

"I would be lying if I said we weren't." Makoto admits, brushing some hair back. Mitsuru nods her head, motioning for the Thieves to join her inside, which they do without hesitating. Finding themselves in what could be called a gallery, complete with a kitchen, sink, fridge, cooking stove and oven.

On the left was the lounge, with a small table in the centre and couches lining the walls on either side. A TV screen was hung on the wall, ready to be used and with plug ins for game consoles under it. Two swivel chairs lay just beyond it, filling the space that led to the very large and spacious driving cabin. With the driver's seat fitted with a high-tech dashboard, and TV screen for navigation, and a large wheel, a skylight gleams from above the lounge while the bathroom lies beyond the gallery. And just beyond that, a large bedroom complete with cupboard and drawers, with a King-Sized bed fit snugly in the middle with a TV screen beyond it.

All the while, it was coloured in soft tones of cream, silver and blue, with some hints of red thrown in for flair.

"This is amazing…" Haru comments, glancing around. "Even if it feels a bit compact."

"That can be solved with this." Mitsuru remarks, hitting a switch that suddenly extends the lounge, gallery and bedroom. Revealing more decorative decals stylized in the red and black of the Thieves. While a secret computer station unfolds itself in the bedroom. And while they couldn't see it, and antenna reveals itself at the top.

"This is…and you are letting us have this?" Yusuke asks, completely taken aback by the motorhome as the Thieves look around in wonder.

"I am. This is not only just for going on trips mind you. It is also for special emergencies that require us Persona users." Mitsuru explains. "The antenna that deployed at the top not only allows for better internet connection, connecting itself to the Kirijo network. But it also scans for any abnormalities that are Metaverse related, Tv world related or, and kami forbid, Dark Hour related."

"So, this is the ultimate travel home for us. That's awesome!" Futaba remarks, already rushing over to the computer set-up. Looking between the several screens. "This is so amazing!"

"There is also a small garage at the back that can hold either a small car or two motorbikes in case of emergencies." Mitsuru reveals. "But it is currently empty at the moment. We haven't had time to finish them yet."

"There is more outside as well!" Labrys suddenly explains from outside, Aigis still holding Ren's phone. "There's plenty of storage boxes outside as well, so you can fill up on whatever camping equipment you need. There's even a sun canopy as well!" Mitsuru nods at Labrys as she turns back to chat to Sophia again, while Isara rolls around Aigis's legs. While Mitsuru turned back to the Thieves.

"So that is that. We may not be here to help you through this, but we are with you in spirit. I hope this will help you out in the long run."

"This will be more than enough help, Mitsuru-san." Ren replies, offering his hand to shake. "Guess we are in your debt for this."

"No need for debts, Ren." Mitsuru replies, shaking his head. "All I'm doing is helping to fulfil a promise from seven years ago." Ren nods slowly at that. They still haven't been told what exactly happened seven years ago, even after Minato and Minako said they needed to tell them. What was it that was stopping them from talking? Before he could think anymore, he was handed a set of keys from Mitsuru. "And with that, my job is complete. I wish you the best of luck in bringing this crisis to an end. And if we see anything happening in either of our spots, we will let you know."

"Of course." Ren replies with a nod, with Mitsuru leaving the Motorhome soon after. Labrys reluctantly gives Ren back his phone as she and Aigis follow after Mitsuru, heading back to their HQ. Leaving Ren and the others standing around their newly acquired home.

New Confidant Ranks.

Sophia: Hope (Rank 2)

Zenkichi Hasegawa: Apostle (Rank 1)