Let's get this arc underway!


Chapter 23: Ren's Brother

August 8th, 2017.

Yokohama. A city with a rich history and significance. Once a small fishing village, it became the site of Matthew C Perry's landing and the opening of Japan's borders to the world, heralding the beginning of the Meiji Restoration.

It was also the site of the great Kanto Earthquake that devastated the Kanto region, with Yokohama taking the full brunt of the quake and following tsunamis that followed it. Something that you could not tell in the bustling city that it was now. Except for one specific spot.

"Yamashita Park… It's been ages since I was last here." Ren remarks as he exits the Motorhome. There weren't that many places one could park and set up camp inside a city like Yokohama, but thanks to some recent decisions by the council, it was decided that people could camp in Yamashita Park. Provided they cleaned up after themselves.

"Yamashita Park: created in 1930 from the rubble of Yokohama after the Great Kanto Earthquake by Marshall Martin. A Scotsman and advisor to the then-current Ariyoshi Chuichi. Famous for its waterfront, it also holds monuments dedicated to those who died in the quake as well as others." Sophia chimes from Ren's phone, earning a smile.

"Maaan, have a look at that sea view." Ryuji remarks, holding a hand over his eyes as he gazes out over the river. "I think I can see Tokyo from here."

"Sorry to say, but you're still looking at Yokohama." Ren remarks with a smirk before turning back to Sophia. "Sophia. Can you feel the Jail around here?"

"Yes. The feeling is strong. Very strong." Sophia replies before bringing out a map of Yokohama. "Based on the last three that we entered, I think I can pinpoint where the 'Castle' of the Monarch is located. And it would be here." She highlights a certain area not far from where they were standing, as all eyes turn towards it.

"Yokohama Marine Tower?" Akechi asks, hand on his chin. "That certainly narrows things down. But before we do anything, we need to find out who the Monarch is. Zenkichi has probably started that, but he hasn't gotten back to us on where he is currently." The team nods at Akechi as they glance around the area. Taking in the sights but somehow missing someone walking towards them. With a smile on her face.

"I knew the cards would lead you here. It has been a while." Chihaya calls to them as she approaches, with the team turning to them with smiles of their own.

"Chihaya! We didn't know you'd be here!" Ann remarks as Chihaya joins them.

"I figured I would surprise you. After all…" She takes out her tarot cards, holding them up to the team. "…I've been VERY good at reading cards since our visit to the Kingdoms." The group smile at her as she puts her cards away before looking back at them. "I saw that the Hope Card appeared in my hand today, yet I don't see anyone else with you."

"You mean Sophia? She's on Ren's phone." Sumire provides as Ren takes his phone out to show her. The little red-head A.I. appeared not a second later.

"Good evening, Chihaya! My name is Sophia Niijima-Amamiya! Humanities companion!" Sophia greets with a beaming smile, earning a chuckle out of Chihaya as she looks at her.

"Well, it is a pleasure to meet you as well. And…" She glances at Ren and Makoto with a sly grin. "That explains why the World and High Priestess also appeared with the Hope card." She chuckles at the two as they blush, shaking her head. "I'll spare you the teasing. So, what brings you here to Yokohama anyway?"

"There's a Jail here that we need to deal with." Makoto replies, brushing some hair back. "We were just about to start trying to find clues that lead us to the Monarch. Have you seen or heard anything unusual while here?"

Chihaya furrows her brow as she thinks back on what she has seen during her stay in Yokohama. "Well, there are a few things that I can think of. Mainly, there appears to be a lot of people calling themselves 'Enforcers' running about."

"Enforcers?" Kawakami asks, folding her arms. Chihaya nods at her, eyes narrow.

"Yes. And they all look to be students from the high schools around Yokohama. Even from Yokohama National University."

"And all of them are students? Why is this giving me Kanashiro flashbacks?" Ryuji asks, rubbing the back of his head.

"So… no one else is a part of these 'Enforcers'? Do you know who they are with?" Shiho asks, tilting her head. Chihaya shakes her head, looking around with weary eyes.

"No. But you can tell who they are by their jackets. They all have the image of a Phoenix on the back."

"A Phoenix? That makes things a bit easier." Mishima remarks. "Still, we've only just arrived, and it's gotten late. Can't we grab something to eat before exploring tomorrow?"

"We also need to get in touch with Zenkichi and meet up. Maybe he's found something out already?" Hifumi asks, playing with her hair.

"Eh… we can worry about that later. Where's the best place to eat, Ren?" Futaba asks with giddy excitement. Something that managed to eat away at the uncertainty in Ren's eyes.

"Well, if you want my opinion, that would be the Yokohama China Town. It's not far from here and has plenty of restaurants for us to choose from. Follow me." With Ren leading the pack, the team headed over to Yokohama China Town, finding the place packed with either those enjoying the summer vacation or tourists visiting from other countries. While for Ren, he felt a sense of calm wash over him, walking through the streets he had not seen in three years. Well, for those around here, it would be two. But, hey, why let time travel get in the way of a good night's meal?


"Man! That was sooooo good!" Ryuji remarks as the team exits the restaurant. "I'll always be a ramen man, but they sure know how to cook! Who knew we would find a Kublai Khan restaurant here, of all places? I thought they had all closed down?"

"Not here." Ren remarks with a grin, smiling at the team. "But, I'm glad it's still there. It's my uncle's favourite spot, after all."

"Your uncle?" Ann asks, looking at Ren in surprise. "You have an uncle?"

"Yeah… I'll tell you guys more about him back at the Motorhome. It's something I should have said for a long while now…" Ren tells them before they spot a group of teens around their age standing nearby. A mixture of girls and boys, all of them wearing jackets of the same colour. A dark naval blue, while the image of a Phoenix in flight was etched onto the back.

"Umm… are those the 'Enforcers' you were talking about, Chihaya?" Futaba asks, ducking behind Ren and Hifumi.

"Yeah… that is them." Chihaya remarks, sneakily pulling out two cards. The Tower and Hanged Man. "Ren…" She whispers, showing the cards, with the Trickster instantly recognising what they mean.

"Everyone, head back to the Motorhome. Don't show any motion that we are being followed." He whispers to the team, all of them falling silent as they make their way back to the Motorhome. They could feel eyes watching them as they leave, even long after they leave China Town and return back to the Park. They had yet to put up their tents, yet the door leading to the Motorhome showed evidence that someone had tried to break in. Or at least, damage it, judging by the marks on the tyres and windows. Which looked like all it would take was some polishing to buff out.

Once again showing the strength of Kirijo Corp tech, while Kawakami's car had been, mercifully, untouched. Yet, the Thieves could tell they were not alone.

"You can stop following us in the shadows. Why don't you come out and reveal yourselves?" Akechi calls out as the team turns around. Finding a large group of people their age, all sporting the same jacket. And all of them glaring at Ren.

"You. Blacky. We want a few words with you." The apparent leader of the group calls out, pointing a finger at him.

"What do you want with me?" Ren replies, feeling his Thieves tensing around him. Ready to come to his aid if needed.

"Nothing much, only one simple question." The man asks, cracking his knuckles. "Why are you copying our bro's look?" Suddenly, Ren feels a knife plunge into his heart at the man's words. He couldn't possibly be talking about him, could he?

"I don't know who you are talking about. This is my first time in Yokohama after two years." Ren counters, even as he feels himself tense up.

"Don't know? You don't know our Fledgling Phoenix? The one who will help Japan rise to new heights?" The man counters as he narrows his eyes before recognition flows over them. "Hold on… Ren? Is that you?" He asks, his voice low. Ren raises an eyebrow at the man before he narrows his eyes at him.

"Who are you again?" He was being completely honest. After all, he had forgotten all about the 'friends' he had in Yokohama.

"You don't remember your best bro? That's cold, man." The guy remarks before frowning at him. "Well, I suppose that's to be expected from a traitor like you." The words sink a knife into Ren as the Thieves tense even more. "You may think that you are innocent, but we don't. Don't you remember what we said when you left that day? What would happen if you ever came back?" He snaps his fingers as the people around him tense up. "How about we remind you what would happen?"

The Thieves brace themselves as they ready up for a fight, the 'Enforcers' around Ren's former friend all rearing to go at him. Until a voice echoed through the dark.

"That's enough." The gruff voice calls out, splitting through the tension like a knife through butter. All eyes turn to the source as, with the Thieves' surprise and thankfulness, Iwai steps out from the darkness. Kaoru, surprisingly, by his side. Glaring at the kids with a cold glare. "You kids should head on home. Before you do something stupid that you're bound to regret."

"Oh yeah? And what are you going to do about it?" The leader asks with a grin as his 'Enforcers' laugh. Only to be silenced as Zenkichi steps out from the shadows as well. "Shit, a cop! Scram!" Without breaking formation, the 'Enforcers' make a run for it into the darkness. Leaving the Thieves breathing easy as Zenkichi, Iwai and Kaoru walk to join them.

"Glad we got here on time. That looked like it was about to get messy." Zenkichi remarks, glancing at the team. "Shall we head inside and talk?"

"I think that's for the best…" Makoto replies, glancing at Ren, whose eyes never left the spot where the man was. He lets out a long sigh as he soon joins the Thieves inside the Motorhome, with all eyes turned to the newcomers.

"We didn't know you were in Yokohama, Iwai." Mishima starts off, the ex-Yakuza letting out a chuckle at them.

"I decided to take Kaoru on a tip for some family time. But we didn't expect to run into this." Iwai remarks before turning to Zenkichi. "It was a surprise to learn about him though, when I helped him out of a bind."

"And I never expected to find and ex-Yakuza as a member of the Thieves… You guys really do have a lot of connections, huh? And scarier as well. Is there anyone you are not in contact with?" Zenkichi remarks before looking towards Chihaya. "And you must also be a member. I'm Inspector Zenkichi Hasegawa."

"Chihaya Mifune. Fortune-teller." She replies, giving him a short bow before turning to Kaoru. "I'm guessing Iwai told you all about us?"

"He told me last year." Kaoru replies with a grin. "I may not have powers like all of you, but I'm willing to help however I can." He then looks to the side before folding his arms. "Although, it has been annoying staying here in Yokohama."

"Why's that?" Haru asks, tilting her head as Iwai lets out a groan.

"Those punks, the 'Enforcers', keep trying to drag Kaoru into their friend group on EMMA. After what you kids told us with Alice, Kaoru has been avoiding anyone who wants him to join. It got so bad that he even deleted the EMMA app just so he could stop getting sent invites." He pulls his hat over his head as he lets out a groan. "Not that it didn't stop them, though." Zenkichi nods his head at Iwai before turning to look at Ren.

"You'll probably want to know what I've learned in my time here in Yokohama, but I think there's something else you want to tell us."

"Like that person, for example." Yusuke remarks, looking at Ren. "Was he… one of the friends you had here in Yokohama?" Ren glances around, meeting the eyes of everyone before looking at Makoto. Who gives him an encouraging nod. And so, Ren lets out a heavy sigh.

"Yeah… Yeah, he was. I know I haven't told anyone about my past here in Yokohama, but… It's time I told all of you about it." He leans back on the swivel chair, getting himself comfortable as he looks into the faces of everyone. "I've already told Makoto and Dad about this, but my parents aren't the nicest people on earth. They only married out of a manner of convenience, and the only reason I am even around is that they got drunk one night and let themselves give in to their inner desires. I still can't believe they even went through with it."

"They probably believed they would get child benefits or something…" Shiho says awkwardly as Ren gives her a nod.

"Yeah, that sounds about it. My ex-dad works at the Red Brick Warehouse, and it's from him, I get the Amamiya part of my name."

"Hold up… Amamiya is only 'part' of your last name?" Isara asks, spooking Kaoru for a moment before turning to him. "Sorry…"

"Futaba said you were alive, so I was expecting it… just didn't expect you to sound like her…" Kaoru admits, rubbing the back of his head while Iwai shakes his own. "So… why didn't you use your full name?"

"Because my 'parents' forced me to. Added it as a rule to my probation that I couldn't use my full name. Or get in contact with my twin and uncle." Ren replies, sending those who didn't know wide-eyed.

"Twin?! You have a twin!?" Ann asks in surprise.

"Yeah, I do. And his name is Akira." Ren replies before taking a deep breath. "And… my full name… is Ren Amamiya-Konoe."

"WHAT!?" The Thieves, minus Makoto, Zenkichi, Chihaya, Iwai and Kaoru, shout in shock at the bombshell.

"You're related to Akira Konoe!? The CEO of Madicce!?" Futaba shouts in shock, with Ren nodding at her.

"Yeah. He's my uncle. And one of the two people in my life who didn't treat me like crap after my charge until I met all of you." While the Thieves blinked in shock at this, Kawakami turned to Zenkichi, seeing him not with an ounce of surprise on his face.

"You don't seem surprised by this, Zenkichi." Kawakami remarks, turning the room to gaze at him.

"Well, I found out after looking into what's going on here. After finding out who the possible around here Monarch is…" He lets out a sigh, rubbing the back of his head as he turns to look at Ren. With guilt in his eyes. "And… from what I've found, the most likely suspect we have is one Akira Amamiya-Konoe." Ren turns his head to him, a mixture of hurt and anger on his face as he reigns in his emotions.

"Ren's twin? What makes you think it's him?" Karou asks with confusion.

"I want to know as well." Ren says, holding back his anger. "Akira… my brother isn't the kind of guy who would start up a group of thugs. He doesn't have a bad bone inside him. He's always been positive." He looks away, letting out a long sigh. "More positive than me, anyway…"

"I understand how you feel, Ren. No one wants to believe that a member of their family is behind all of this. Well, some families anyway…. But… what I've found only points to him." Zenkichi lets out a sigh, rubbing the back of his head as he looks back up. "Apparently, these 'Phoenix Enforcers', as they are called, started showing up two months ago at the same high school that your brother goes to. Apparently, from what I've gathered, it started as a political club called 'Rising Phoenix' around five months ago until they started going out like thugs. They haven't committed any crimes so far, mainly strong-arming people into joining them on EMMA and proclaiming Akira's manifesto to others. And it started to spread out from other high schools, including the Uni."

"He's going into Politics?" Ren asks in shock. "That's not right… he said he always wanted to join our uncle in Madicce. He hates politics, especially after I got arrested by Shido. That and our 'birth parents' despise politics as well. They always told us to ever get involved with them, and why they cut me off from everyone when I got arrested."

"That's not right!" Shiho shouts with anger in her voice. "Cutting yourself off from a family member just because they broke a rule trying to help someone? That's just wrong!"

"I know…" Ren replies, looking away as Zenkichi glances at him. "It's why I returned the favour and cut all ties with them when my charges were cleared. Why bother returning to a household that's divided so much that it can't be repaired?" At that remark, Zenkichi glances away with a hurt expression. Something that is only seen by Kawakami, who looks at him with concern.

"What about the people you were friends with here in Yokohama? Didn't they stand up for you?" Mishima asks, but he can already tell what the answer is.

"What do you think? Despite all of us knowing each other from when we were kids, the moment I got hit by charges, they left me all alone. Well…" Ren glances out the front window, a distant look in his eyes. "One of them believed in me, and I think a few others did as well. But because of the others, he had to give in to pressure. I can still see the hurt in his eyes when he left."

"Ren…" Makoto breathes, resting a hand on his shoulder.

"I wanted to get back in touch with them, you know? To speak to Akira and Uncle Konoe again. But… the contact details I had from them were out of date. I had to get a new phone number when I was sent to Tokyo, which was kept from them. I just…" He lets out a deep sigh, turning back to the others and grasping his hands. "I can't help but worry about what's happened when I last saw them…" A heavy silence fills the Motorhome as the Thieves let the information fill their minds.

It wasn't everything about Ren's past, but what they heard gave them a large enough picture. While for Zenkichi, Ren's problems hit close to home for him. Even as the fourth star was added to his tarot card.

"I take it you guys are going to investigate tomorrow?" Zenkichi asks as he stands up. "Then I'll see myself out. Call me if you need help." Before anyone could ask, he leaves the Motorhome. Standing out in the cold air, he glances at the stars as he places his hands on his hips. "A divided house…huh?"

"Is everything all right, Zenkichi?" Kawakami asks, jolting him from his skin.

"K-Kawakami-san? I didn't hear you." Zenkichi replies, fixing his glasses as she lets out a chuckle.

"Comes with the territory." She replies with a smirk before growing concerned. "I saw the look you had back in the Motorhome. Was it something that Ren said that hit you the wrong way?"

"N-No… it's just…" Zenkichi tries to deflect before letting out a long sigh. "All right… you got me. I suppose I can tell someone." He turns to look at her, his face a mixture of pain and resolution. "And please — don't tell Ren and the others about this. I… don't feel comfortable telling them yet."

"Of course. Your secret is safe with me." Kawakami replies, giving him a nod.

"Well… I suppose I should come straight out. I have my own family problems with my daughter." Zenkichi drops, surprising Kawakami.

"You have a daughter?"

"Yeah. Akane's around Futaba's age, but our relationship is anything but good… It's been on the downward spiral ever since her mother, Aoi, died three years ago." Kawakami lets out a soft gasp as Zenkichi turns to look out over the harbour. A sense of longing deep in his eyes. "She was killed by a drunk driver. I was hell-bent on slapping the bastard in irons… but I was removed from the case. I should have seen it coming. The guy was a politician, after all, with ties to Shido."

"Another victim of Shido's… How many lives has that man ruined because of his ego…?" Kawakami bitterly asks before looking back at Zenkichi. "And… your daughter?"

"I think she resents me because I haven't caught the guy who killed her mom…" He replies, rubbing the back of his head. "I tried… I really tried to be there for her, but… I can't fill the void that Aoi left. Even if I capture that bastard, I feel like I can't do anything to repair that gap. Anytime we talk, we always seem to devolve into arguments." He sighs, looking down at his feet in shame. "I feel like I failed as a father…"

Kawakami stays silent as Zenkichi looks at her with a small smile. "Thanks for listening to that. I feel like I got some weight off my shoulders. Not much… but it's something."

"Of course…" Kawakami replies as Zenkichi starts to walk off. "Zenkichi…" She calls out, stopping him in his tracks. "If you ever need someone to talk to again, I will be there to listen. Even as a soundboard." Zenkichi's eyes widen slightly, before giving her a small nod of gratitude.

"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Kawakami. And good night." With that, Zenkichi leaves Kawakami alone, as she turns to look at the night sky. Neither of them realising that they were blushing slightly under the night sky.


August 9th, 2017

Day has once again risen over Yokohama, the streets bustling with activity as the heatwave continues to beat down on Japan. As for the Thieves, they spent their time moving through the city, taking in the sights as they listen out for anything unusual. Until they wandered into Shinko, finding themselves outside of the Red Brick Warehouse.

"So these are the famous Red Brick Warehouses? They look amazing." Shiho comments, seeing the red glow of the buildings from the sunlight. Even at the distance they were at.

"I heard they managed to survive the earthquake thanks to their construction. Are they still being used as warehouses?" Mishima asks Ren, who shakes his head.

"They used to, but not for storing food or anything like that any more." Ren turns his head to the buildings. "Building No.1 is being used as an event venue for art exhibitions, film festivals, all of that. While building No.2 has been turned into a shopping mall and restaurant. And it's also the one that my ex-dad works in. I'd… rather not see either of them again if I had the chance."

"You didn't mention where your former mother works last night Ren. Where else should we avoid?" Yusuke asks gently as Ren glances around.

"Yokohama Cosmo World. She's the manger of the park."

"Well, we can cut that off our visiting list." Futaba remarks with some annoyance as the team press on. "And we haven't heard anything suspicious yet." Ren nods his head absent-mindedly, until he spots someone by himself, not too far from them with his back turned. With the same style of hair as him, while wearing a jacket of the 'Phoenix Enforcers'.

"Who is that?" Kaoru asks, seeing the man not far from them as Ren suddenly separates himself from the group. Walking up to the man, he stands behind him before asking a name.

"Akira?" The man jolts, spinning around in place to turn to him. Showing a person who looked identical to Ren in every way. Except for the glasses around his face.

"Ren? Is that you?" Akira asks with unbelieving eyes before breaking out into a giant grin. "It's been so long!" He cries, grabbing Ren into a hug as Morgana quickly evacs from Ren's bag to avoid being caught in the hug. "I've missed you so much!"

"I missed you too." Ren replies, wrapping Akira in a hug before the two separate. With Ren glancing up at Akira's current look. "You certainly changed your look since the last I saw you."

"Well, it HAS been over a year since we last saw each other." Akira replies with a grin before losing the smile. "Why didn't you come home? When Uncle Konoe and I heard your record was cleared, we thought you'd be coming back."

"About that…. I'm not coming back to Yokohama. I had been meaning to tell you both the moment I could get back in contact with you, but the contact details I had did not work." Ren replies, with Akira letting out an irritated groan.

"That explains so much. Mom and Dad SAID they were going to give you my new details, yet OBVIOUSLY, they never did! Betraying my trust yet again!" It was clear on Akira's face that he was not happy at the revelation at all, before his gaze fell on Morgana sitting at Ren's feet. "Who's this?" Ren follows his gaze, fining Morgana at his feet as he picks him back up.

"This is Morgana. A cat I adopted while under Sojiro Sakura's protection. And he helped me deal with the first few weeks at Shujin. Along with some others."

"Others?" Akira asks, before glancing behind Ren and seeing the group of people behind him. "Are they the friends you made while at Shujin?"

"Yeah. They saw through the lie that my record was and stuck by my side. To be honest, they were more of a family than our parents ever were."

"I see… I also heard that you disowned yourself from our parents…. I couldn't believe it at the time but…" Akira's face falls as he looks away, a storm hidden behind his eyes before he shakes it away. "Do you mind introducing them to me."

"Sure." Ren replies, motioning to the others as they walk to join him. Iwai, Kawakami, Chihaya and Karou staying behind. "Everyone, this is my twin brother, Akira. Akira, these are the friends I made at Shujin."

"It's nice to meet all of you. Thank you for being there for my brother, where me and my uncle could not." Akira bows to the Thieves, taking them by surprise for a moment. Before recomposing themselves and smiling in response.

"If anything, we should be thanking him for helping our lives." Ann replies. "Ann Takamaki. Nice to meet you Akira."

"Ryuji Sakamoto. And Ren's first friend at Shujin." Ryuji greets with a two finger salute.

"Shiho Suzui. Nice to meet you." Shiho comments with a smile.

"Yuuki Mishima. I owe your bother a debt that can never be repaid." Mishima replies, with Ryuji smacking him in the arm lightly.

"I think we all do at this point. Greeting, Akira. My name is Hifumi… Togo" Hifumi adds, but the hesitation in her last name was evident.

"Futaba Sakura. Nice to meet you, Akira." Futaba adds with a grin.

"Haru Okumura. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Akira-kun." Haru adds, bowing to Akira politely.

"Sumire Yoshizawa. I owe Ren a debt of thanks for helping me out of a serious case of depression." Sumire adds with a grin as Akechi steps forward.

"Goro Akechi. Your brother has been the best debating partner I have ever encountered."

"Makoto Niijima. A pleasure to meet you." Makoto finishes while Ann lets out a chuckle.

"Are you not going to add you're also Ren's girlfriend?" Ann replies, making Makoto blush while Akira blinks in surprise.

"You have a girlfriend?" Akira asks in shock, with Ren nodding slowly in embarrassment. Akira breaking into a wide smile before flinging an arm around his shoulders. Even as he eyes seemed to gleam with a hidden feeling. "That's amazing! I'm so happy for you, bro!"

"T-Thanks." Ren replies with an embarrassed grin before a beep from Akira's phone draws his attention away.

"Dang it, I've got to go. Meeting up with some friends to talk about our club." Akira remarks, putting the phone away.

"You have a club?"

"Yeah. A political one." Akira replies. "I know, you were expecting it to be something related to Madicce, right? Well, I decided to do a bit of a career change. Anyway, sorry to drop and run, but It's GREAT to see you again. We need to get back in contact with each other again sometime." Before Ren could reply, Akira was already sprinting off towards Akarenga Park.

Leaving the Thieves behind in his dust.

"He was… certainly outgoing." Kawakami remarks as the team groups up.

"Yeah… Akira's always been like that." Ren replies as he brings his phone out. "Akira has always been the more outgoing of us. Never one to rest on his feet for long. And he's always been the more cheery of us as well… I'm glad that part of him hasn't gone away…" Sophia glances at him from the Phone, tilting her head as she looks up in confusion. Why didn't he introduce her to her uncle?

"Hey… he dropped something." Morgana remarks, leaping onto the ground and placing a paw on a piece of paper. Kneeling, Ren picks it up to see a quickly scribbled on note.

August 10th, .

Meeting at Zon-no-hana park.

Don't forget.

"A meeting?" Ren asks, narrowing his eyes. "And at Zon-no-hana park? That's not far from where we are camping, but…"

"I'm guessing it wouldn't be easy to spy on, would it?" Akechi asks, with Ren nodding his head. "And didn't he just head off to Akarenga Park right now? That feels suspicious…"

"Still, are we really sure that Akira is the Monarch? He hasn't displayed anything like the other ones." Sumire remarks.

"I think we need to do some more investigation around here. Try to find something that either ties him in or brings up a second suspect. Or at the very least, what these 'Enforcers' are up to." Akechi remarks while Chihaya brings out her cards for a reading.

"In that case, let's split up into three groups." Ren decides, glancing at the team. "Iwai will lead one, Kawakami another and I'll lead the final. As for where to look, I still think our best bet is here in Shinko. Once we find something, we head back to the Motorhome and plan our next moves tomorrow." Ren turns back to look towards Akarenga. "I just hope we're after the wrong person…" The team exchange sad looks between them as they split into three groups.

One heading to the Cosmo World, another to the Red Brick Warehouse, and the last towards the Cup Noodles Museum.

Over at the Cosmo World, Iwai led the group consisting of Kaoru, Futaba carrying Isara, Akechi, Sumire and Chihaya as they investigated the amusement park. Taking in the view of the giant Ferris Wheel called the Cosmo Clock, as they stand near what appeared to be a water log ride. But it was the altercation happening nearby that caught their attention. A group of 'Enforcers' surrounding a young family while a woman with long black hair stood at the front with security guards standing nearby. Daring to get closer, the team listen in.

"Aww, come on lady. We just want their kids to join us on EMMA. The Fledgling Phoenix will be great friends with them!" One of the goons snarks at the manager. At the far back of the group, two members stood watching with their eyes narrow. But not at the family or the manager, but at the Enforcers themselves. One of them with short black hair, a bit longer than Ryuji's, while the other had long red hair tried into a long braid.

"And as I have told you, you are disturbing the people here." The woman replies in a stern and uncaring tone, shaking her head. "I care not if you are part of my idiotic son's club, you have no excuse to display such behaviour in my park. Now leave, before I call the cops." Iwai's group narrow their eyes at Akira's mother, the tone of her voice putting them off.

"It's best you listen to what she says. We've worn out our welcome." The young man with black hair tells the group as they turn to look at him and the girl next to him. "I don't think Akira will be happy if he learns you guys picked a fight with him mom." The group glare at the two before leaving in a huff, the two apparent leaders of the mob bowing in apology to Akira's mom as they quickly leave after them. With Akira's mom scoff in disgust before turning to the family, not seeing Iwai's team as they slink away unseen.

While with Kawakami's team, comprising off Ryuji, Ann, Haru and Yusuke, ventured over to the Red Brick Warehouse. Hoping to find something and buy as a souvenir for the Motorhome. They had done so at all the other stops, so what was stopping them here? Unfortunately for them, the answer to that was several cop cars stationed outside of the Red Brick Warehouse. Pining a few members of the 'Enforcers' to the ground while some spoke to a man with shaggy brow hair and grey eyes.

"You took your sweet time to arrive! These hooligans almost tore down my shop!" The man remarks with anger on his face as the two cops try to calm him down. "And they had the gall to say it's what my slow-leaning son wanted! Can you believe it!?" The tone of his voice taking Kawakami's group off guard.

"We're sorry sir, but we have been dealing with other reports of these kids doing other acts of vandalism around Yokohama. We've been up to our necks chasing them down." The shop owner lets out a loud groan as he turns to look at the two 'Enforcers' not held down or cuffed. A young man with long brown hair going past his shoulders, while another young woman with floofy cream-coloured hair like Haru's, but much more tame, stood next to him. "What are you kids doing with my son anyway? Why are you letting Akira stand around and let this happen?" The man asks in a very stern voice, without a hint of love in his words, as the two bow to him in apology.

"We're sorry, sir. They just want to ignore us these days." The girl replies with some hurt in her voice as Akira's dad just scoffs at her in annoyance.

"Well, see that you get them in line! Kids these days, no respect for their elders… Especially him." He remarks grumpily as he walks back to his shop, the members of the 'Enforcers' quickly leaving the scene as the cops haul off those they had pinned. While Kawakami's team, hearing every sentence spoke, slink away unseen.

Meanwhile, at the Cup Noodle Museum, Ren's team, comprising the remaining members, stood outside as they admired the building. At least, they would be if it weren't for the old man sitting outside with his hands in his head. Looking extremely depressed.

"Sir? Are you all right?" Ren asks, kneeling to him with Makoto on the other side. Hifumi stands watch with Morgana, Shiho and Mishima in case anyone tries to disturb them.

"It's nothing you can't fix, young one." The man replies, letting out a deep, long sigh of disappointment. "I have just been let go from my position of Professor at the University."

"Why? What did you do to deserve that?" Makoto asks, seeing the regret on the old man's face.

"I honestly don't know why myself… All I did was voice my concern about these 'Phoenix Enforcers' and how they are becoming a cult. And how their leader seems to be either ignorant or allowing them to enact their stunts. I tried to explain my reasoning at a lecture, but some of those kids got extremely angry at me… It got so bad that the board asked me to go into an early retirement… After working at that place for over sixty years, to go into retirement because of this… I feel disappointed in myself and the kids being swept up in this new craze…"

"I'm sorry to hear that, sir…" Ren replies sorrowfully as the old man looks at him, confusion on his face.

"Say… aren't you the leader of the 'Enforcers'? But you seem different…"

"That's because I'm his twin. I've been out of Yokohama for the past two years and just got back for a small break." Ren replies, standing up. "And… I refuse to believe that my brother would ever allow something like this to happen."

"I pray you are right… Those kids… Ever since they got their hands on EMMA when it came out, they have been so… different. They have been getting more violent these past few weeks. Especially after the Phantom Thieves made their return." He lets out a long, deep sigh as he stands up. "I hear nothing but envy about them from those kids… Why they would be envious, I can't understand…" With that, he walks away with his hands in his pockets, eyes downcast as he heads home. Leaving the Thieves alone as they head back to the Motorhome. Their faces are filled with worry and confusion.

Why were they envious of them?


"All right. Time to uncover what we have learned." Akechi stars, clapping his hands together as the team looks at him. "First, we should start with what we learned at Cosmo World. Apparently, these 'Phoenix Enforcers' have been intimidating others to join them on EMMA, no doubt so that their Desires could also be stolen and added to this growing club of theirs. Specifically, kids and teens around their age. All the while saying that your brother would be a great friend to them."

"Like what they tried to do to Kaoru." Iwai adds, with folded arms. "Although, it seems two of their members are not liking how they are acting. Trying to get them to step down. We even got a glimpse of your ex-mother, Ren." Iwai glances at him, tilting his cap. "And just by how she was speaking, she clearly wasn't anything like a parent should be."

"She even called your brother an idiot…" Sumire adds with a wince, sparking a look of hurt on Ren's face as he looks away.

"They are still calling him that…" He mumbles under his breath, only heard by Makoto next to him.

"We saw a similar incident at the Red Brick Warehouse. Apparently, some members tried to trash up your ex-dad's shop, supposedly acting out your brother's wishes. And they were being cuffed by the police. With two of their members apologising to your ex-dad." Ann adds, shaking her head. "And… it looked like he didn't like them at all." Ren glances at Ann before suddenly becoming thoughtful as he looks around.

"About these four you have seen… what did they look like?"

"Well, at Cosmo World, the guy had black hair like Ryuji's, only a bit longer and fuller. While the girl had long red hair tied into a braid." Futaba reports, grasping a knee.

"At the Warehouse, the guy there had long brown hair that went past his shoulders, while the girl had cream-coloured hair that was poofy like Haru's. The only difference was hers was a lot more tamer." Yusuke replies while Haru plays with her own hair. Debating on how floofy it was.

"Why do you ask? Do you know them, Ren?" Hifumi asks as Ren lets out a sigh.

"Maybe… But I can't say anything unless I see them for myself." He replies, shaking his head. "As for us, we found a professor who was forced into an early retirement because he said the wrong thing about the Enforcers, and Akira." He looks at his hands, clenching them. "No matter how much I want to deny it, the proof is there. Akira…my brother… IS a Monarch."

"Ren…" Makoto replies, patting his shoulder comfortingly. Sophia watches from Ren's phone, staying silent as she looks at her father with worry.

"I understand how you are feeling, Ren-kun." Haru comments, leaning forward. "Facing your own flesh and blood… it is not easy. But, no matter what, we are here to see it through. Like how you were all with me when we confronted my father, Mako-chan's sister, and Aunt Mari. Just like how you helped all of us in our own personal struggles, it is now our turn to help you."

"Damn right!" Ryuji shouts, slamming a hand on the couch. "Let's get that Keyword, dive in to the Jail, and set your brother back on straight!" Ren looks around the Motorhome, seeing the comforting smiles of the Thieves around him. No, not just his Thieves, HIS family. One who would gladly walk through hell with him and not give a single glance back. He was there when they needed him most, and now they were here to return the favour.

Just like how they were there when he came back from that interrogation on the 20th.

"Everyone… Thank you." Ren tells them with a smile as he stands up. "No matter what comes next, I will see this through. With all of you by my side, we will get through this." The Thieves let out a small cheer while Iwai let out an amused grunt.

"Well, I'm glad we got that all sorted out, but how are we going to get his Keyword?" Isara asks from on top of the table. "Something tells me he won't be giving it to us willingly."

"I got that impression as well." Sophia chimes from Ren's phone. "If he wanted to, he could have told us when we met him. But he didn't. I wonder why."

"Something tells me we can find out at this meeting he has planned." Makoto comments, holding up the piece of paper. "The question is… who is going to sneak into it." Everyone ponders for a moment, seeing how Zenkichi wasn't here. He was not an option. Until all eyes turned to a certain feline resting in the room.

"Um… why are you guys looking at me?" Morgana asks with some worry in his voice.

"Don't worry about it, Morgana. It's just a small favour we want to ask…" Shiho replies with a grin. One that was matched on every face of the Thieves as Morgana let out a weak chuckle of uncertainty.

"I'm in danger…"


New Confidant Ranks.

Sophia: Hope (Rank 4)

Zenkichi Hasegawa: Apostle (Rank 4)

Investigation Team: The World (Rank 10/Max)

S.E.E.S: ? (?/?)