The Thieves enjoy some time at Destinyland. Kunikazu Okumura confesses his sins on public television.
[2 Years ago]
"Ishikawa!" An enraged, strong voice boomed across the entire workplace.
Everyone poked their heads out of their own doors, eager and curious to see the chaotic commotion coming from the direction of the director's own office. Some of the workers came out and crowded the hallway, eager to listen in so they could later produce the appropriate amount of gossip to fill in their otherwise dull and boring week.
Inside the office, were three people: The director of the SIU, Shigeru Odawara, his mentee, junior prosecutor Sae Niijima, and finally, SIU's top prosecutor, Nobuaki Ishikawa.
Director Odawara slammed his hands on his desk forcefully. "Three chances, Ishikawa! I have given you three chances! Why the hell didn't you and your men manage to apprehend Kaneshiro yet!?"
"He is an elusive one. And I have told you, sir, it is not something that can be merely done with the click of a finger. We must proceed cautiously. I know that the situation is distressing, but-"
"Distressing!? His goons put a gun on my sister-in-law's head! If it weren't for the PubSec's swift rescue, she would be dead by now!"
"I understand, howev-"
"Shut up! I don't care to hear your excuses and justifications, this is unacceptable! A girl thirty years your junior could do your own goddamn work alone better than you and your men together!" Odawara shouted, pointing at Sae, who looked mortified at being included in the dressing down her sensei was giving to Ishikawa.
Her sensei was terrifying when angry.
"You have one week to bring me his head. Dead, alive, I do not fucking care! If you don't, you are out of this case. Do you understand me?"
"...Perfectly." The older man ground out.
"Now get out of my sight."
Ishikawa left, throwing Sae and Odawara looks of disdain. Sae swallowed dryly.
"Sir… Was that a wise approach? I don't believe we can afford to antagonize Ishikawa-san. Like it or not, he is the one hunting down Kaneshiro for us. He knows the case better than everyone else." She asked, her tone cautious and apprehensive.
"I do not care. If he fails, then I get rid of an incompetent thorn on my side. I don't care if we have to restart the entire process. If you ask me, It has been a long time coming. Ishikawa is a cockroach, who infests and parasites the Tokyo judiciary with his presence."
Ishikawa and sensei had a well known rivalry. The department hasn't lost a single case in 48 years. For 39 years, director Kinoshita had led the SIU with a pristine, stellar record. His mentee, Shigeru Odawara, succeeded in his place at the impressive age of just 34. It was not normal for seniority to be overlooked like that - for all intents and purposes, dozens of judges, senior prosecutors and law experts had the appropriate credentials to take over the SIU, but Kinoshita broke traditions and appointed Shigeru Odawara instead.
The old director trusted no one other than his mentee. As a result, Ishikawa was passed over, and had to deal with the fact that a man 10 years his junior was the director in his place. And now his boss.
For all intents and purposes, though, Sae understood Ishikawa-san's disdain for her mentor. It was likely very humiliating for the older man to be the subordinate of someone younger than him.
Still, she was glad that sensei was the director. He was a good man and he conducted his job with utmost excellence. He was just stressed out thanks to the threats Kaneshiro had been leveling at them both.
"Sir… This is all my fault. I am sorry you got dragged into this, if I didn't ask you to give me Kaneshiro's head, You wouldn't b-"
"Sae." He interrupted her, his voice growing softer and weak. "Your mother was a very good friend of mine. We were both pupils of the same master, Kinoshita-sensei. She would want justice to be served. And your father and I never saw eye to eye, but he was at least a better man than twenty combined. He also would want Kaneshiro apprehended."
She looked down, her heart hurting at the mention of her beloved family.
"I promised you, as your boss, your mentor and as your friend, that we would bring Kaneshiro down. Not only to get justice for your father. But…?" He trailed off, wanting her to continue.
"...Because it is the right thing to do. To get justice for all of Kaneshiro's victims." She responded, her voice trembling with anger as she crossed her hands in front of her, looking on sternly.
"Precisely. I am not afraid for my own life. But I draw a line at family. Kaneshiro crossed that line when he threatened you, my nephew and my sister-in-law. I will not stop until he is down. Do you understand?"
"I do. I am with you, sensei. You have all my devotion in this case." She responded with conviction as she bowed deeply.
He gave her a paternal smile that only served to further her feelings of rejection. At least, she was trying to get over her silly crush.
She was almost there.
"I know, my dear. You're the only one I can trust now." He spoke, tired as his anger left his body.
Then, her sensei started a violent fit of coughing.
"Sir!" She said as she tried to assist him.
When his fit stopped, he removed the handkerchief from his face.
The otherwise clean cloth was now stained with a horrible shade of black blood.
[10/11, The Present Day - Evening]
Ishikawa was not someone Sae even liked in the first place, but now she finally understood why sensei hated him.
After he took over the position of director, she saw herself being forced to do his bidding. Unlike Odawara-sensei, Nobuaki Ishikawa was a man that would often ignore procedures for the sake of results alone, and command his subordinates to do questionable things to maintain appearances.
At the start, Sae resisted doing his bidding. Not only was it absurd, but also borderline corrupt to ask her to overlook certain steps of the due process just so they could convict people more swiftly. She commited the folly of protesting - twice, even - and almost lost her position.
She soon came to realize that being honorable, just and fair were qualities and ideals that left her workplace when sensei did. It was a bitter realization, one that she had to endure, because otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to keep a roof over her and Makoto's heads.
So necessity, survival and also a bit of pride forced her to keep playing the game by the unfair rules that were set up by her superiors.
However, things have changed now. She was no longer willing to be complicit. Sae was having an incredibly hard time trying not to scream at the disgusting, creepy face of director Ishikawa.
"I heard you have been making certain procedures harder for our teams. You know that time is money, don't you?" He spat out.
"I am perfectly aware, sir."
"Yet here we are. What are you doing? We don't have time for this. These are filthy criminals, Niijima, we don't need to accept their appeals. Stop harassing the judges and your fellow prosecutors with these asinine requests, you don't work for the defense."
She stood her ground. "Sir, with all due respect, we are talking about teenagers that were possibly victims of Kaneshiro. They were arrested for prostitution. While underage. It's clear to me that they were coerced into this degrading job. I cannot in good conscience deny them a chance to appeal their sentences."
"Listen, Kaneshiro was arrested, wasn't he? If they were caught doing this now, they are clearly doing this out of their own volition since they are no longer being coerced. They're selling out their own bodies to fund their disgusting drug addiction."
Sae held herself back, but she was raging inside and eager to shout at his stupid face.
'Sensei, please guide me in spirit.' She pleaded internally.
"Sir, there is no indication that they took those drugs out of their own volition either. For all we know, they were also coerced to transport and forced to consume them. Besides, even if they are drug users, there are other methods to rehabilitate them."
"Who the hell do you think we are, Niijima!? The goddamn social services!? Stop pushing for this nonsense this very instant, and go do your own fucking job!" He barked, furiously slamming his hand down on his desk.
Sae gritted her teeth.
"Very well sir."
She bowed, not that she wanted to, but because she had to.
Then she left swiftly, a stormy look on her eyes. Upon reaching the safety of her office, she slammed the door furiously.
All her good mood from talking to Takemi senpai evaporated, and she felt bitter and angry instead.
'Who the fuck does this vermin think he is!?'
Sae seethed, furious that, had she not been awakened to her persona, she would still be quietly doing his bidding, condemning these poor girls to a miserable life in prison by now.
Not wasting another second, she unlocked her phone and opened the metanav.
'Nobuaki Ishikawa.'
Target not found.
She sneered.
'Nobuaki Ishikawa.'
Target not found.
She stared dumbfounded and furious at the nav. How could this be!?
'HOW THE HELL DID I GET A PALACE, BUT NOT MY DISGUSTING, FILTHY, MONSTROUS, BASTARD OF A BOSS!?' Her mind screamed.
She almost screamed out loud. Sae resisted the urge to trash her entire office in rage.
"Do not follow thy rage. Thou art the herald of justice." Leviathan hissed out.
She eventually calmed down as the tension left her body.
Sae couldn't understand just how she had partaken in this filthy shitshow for months now. It only left the taste of ashes in her mouth.
She should have left the SIU when Ishikawa took over. Instead, she stayed working for this man, betraying her sensei and her own convictions.
Another part of her felt like dying at the realization that she had had a palace, but her boss, the very embodiment of the crushing weight of the establishment, didn't.
Was she truly so evil?
She felt like crying.
"We art not alone." Her persona whispered to her, as if casting a spell to soothe her sorrows away.
"That's right… Futaba-chan had a palace too, and she wasn't evil…" She whispered to herself.
Wiping out the tears from the corner of her eyes, Sae fiddled with her phone, until she saw a notification from one of her chats
'Speak of the devil' She thought as she let out a watery chuckle.
[Informant Alibaba The Inside Job]
[Informant Alibaba]: Yoo check this shit out, Ace!
[Informant Alibaba]: Mom_Dad_
[Informant Alibaba]: Ahaha look at glasses-kun's dorky ass face!
It was a cute picture of Amamiya-kun doing some gardening beside her sister. He was caught off guard by the camera, with his glasses slightly askew and his hair all messy. Makoto looked content and also a little shy in the picture, her red eyes sparkling in the lens flash.
She felt calmer and happier just looking at her face, her previous turmoils forgotten.
[Double Agent Ace]: Clown looks like a complete dumbass. My sister is the cutest though, isn't she?
[Informant Alibaba]: 10/10 Makoto is the cute panda!
For some reason, ever since their interaction in mementos, Futaba would send her random messages at times with her favorite "memes". Sae admitted that half the time, she didn't get what they even meant, but she tried to be kind to her regardless.
[Informant Alibaba]: Sooo Haru and Makoto made up! And now Haru is taking us to Destinyland! It's for her 'welcome to the team' party.
[Double Agent Ace]: I'm glad to hear it, and the party sounds wonderful. Too bad I will have to concentrate on work and then the press conference.
[Informant Alibaba]: It's okay, we'll make a cool welcome party for you too later, mehehehe
[Double Agent Ace]: I appreciate the sentiment, but don't worry about that. For now, have lots of fun, okay?
[Informant Alibaba]: K thanks proxy big sis! I'll keep ya posted and shits. Informant Alibaba OUT!
She chuckled at the girl's enthusiasm. Despite her crude language (as if Sar herself didn't curse left and right when she was her age), Sakura-chan tended to bring out her more nurturing side that was usually reserved only for Makoto.
Feeling a little more mellowed out now, Sae decided to just finish her work for the day.
Katsuya's mind was still reeling from the revelations.
Personas. Of course it had to do with personas.
This is why his niece will never find a resolution to these cases. If this is truly what is afoot, the case is unsolvable through normal means.
She was set up to fail.
Indignation surged up through his body, making him shake as he considered every other single implication.
What is more, he also noticed his brother looking confused and dazed. He was likely having another of those unbidden flashbacks.
No matter how much Katsuya tried to shield his baby brother from the truth, he knew it was a matter of time before the situation would catch up to them all.
If only things weren't so complicated.
Katsuya threw Tatsuya a look that said 'later'. His baby brother nodded.
"This can't be it." The older brother whispered, still feeling shocked.
"That is what I have been alluding to all this time. If it's a persona situation, then of course the conspiracy is untraceable in reality." Kirijo said.
"If that is the case, then this will be a nightmare to solve." He told the woman.
"Indeed. Also, If you are friends with Nanjo-san, then I am going to assume you are part of his former team or had contact with persona yourselves." Kirijo probed them.
"Yes, to an extent. In short, Sumaru city had problems with a cognitive phenomenon. Rumors would become true the more you spread it."
"I am aware of this event thanks to Nanjo-san. In fact, the only reason I agreed to come here is because I suspected that Nanjo-san wouldn't insist for me to meet you two unless it was truly critical."
Katsuya nodded. "Now a lot of things make a lot more sense. I am also vaguely aware that you had a government sanctioned paramilitary group called 'Shadow Operatives', that got swiftly shut down, records all wiped clean."
He saw the woman sigh for the first time. "Right. That group was mostly focused on dealing with any persona or shadow related activities. We had a myriad of persona users in our ranks that contributed to the operations voluntarily and in official capacity."
Mitsuru grimaced. "However, I was naive in thinking our operations would last. The Tokyo general commissioner is responsible for the end of that group. Shido made a buzz enough to cast suspicion on us instead of his faction. Were we still in activity, I have no doubts we could have tracked down and dealt with this shadow and persona crisis swiftly."
"I see." Katsuya said with some slight skepticism coloring his voice.
He was about to ask her more when the TV host in the giant screen in the restaurant stole his attention.
"And now for more news on the Okumura Foods scandal. The president of the company and founder of the Big Bang Burger chain of fast food restaurants, Kunikazu Okumura, will hold a press conference tonight. We expect to hear an official statement in regards to the allegations of workplace abuse and poor working conditions, as well as the suspicious deaths linked to the company."
Right. Okumura was one of the suspects in his niece's list.
His focus was switched for praticality's sake. "Do you believe Okumura is involved?"
He saw Kirijo's gaze shift to the television as she contemplated a response.
"Without a doubt. If not involved, he benefited from Shido's operations directly. Although…"
"Hm?"
"He is running against Shido in the general elections. Granted, his position in the voting polls are abysmal given that he is hated by everyone, but that could still pose a problem for the Senator."
"So not only is he an unpopular candidate, but also a liability to Shido since he draws a lot of attention to himself." Tatsuya concluded for them both.
"Yes. And now he has been targeted by these Phantom Thieves."
Katsuya Sighed. "Right, the vigilante heroes of Tokyo, who change the hearts of criminals and make them confess their crimes."
Her eyebrows were raised. "Do you not like them?"
Katsuya sighed. "I generally dislike vigilantism. But I also cannot deny they had done a service to society by dealing with people like Kaneshiro."
A good fucking riddance in Katsuya's opinion.
Kirijo put an elegant hand under her chin. "I cannot say for sure whether or not they are a part of Shido's conspiracy in a movement to create a false sense of security, or if they are a different party with their own set of objectives. Truly admirable if the latter, but concerning if it's the former. Their modus operandi makes me think that they are juveniles, however."
"I wouldn't honestly be surprised if that is the case. But their existence brings a complication to the case."
"Indeed. Now detectives, won't you stay a little longer? I would like to see what Okumura's press conference is about. We have two hours until then."
"Of course. While we wait though, why don't you tell us more about these Shadow Operatives?"
Kirijo nodded."Very well."
The entire gang was eager to enjoy the land of dreams. Ryuji wouldn't shut up the entire train ride, and Futaba was a ball of excitement as well.
Makoto was also just as excited, but she was more subdued in showing it.
As soon as they arrived and Haru cleared it up with the staff, the Phantom Thieves invaded the theme park.
"Oh man, oh man! This is awesome!" Futaba chanted, hyper as a squirrel.
"Hell yeah! Where should we start? Damn, there is so much to do!" Ryuji exclaimed wildly, also full of hype.
Ann rolled her eyes. "Okay, calm down a bit you two! We'll go over things one by one!"
The blonde then turned to their host. "So Haru, since the park was rented, what exactly can we do in here?"
"Maybe start with some sightseeing as a group, and then we can go for the attractions and rides as much as we like? Granted, not everything is available since only a portion of the park's staff is available. But we should still have access to some of the facilities."
"Sounds great! Phantom Thieves, move out!" Ryuji shrieked out while pointing his index finger upwards.
"Ryuji-kun, not so loud!" Makoto scolded him.
They enjoyed a tour of the facilities, taking pictures, watching the sights, making fun of each other and also daring one another to wear novelty headpieces.
"Hah! You really are a monkey now, Ryuji!" Morgana snickered at Ryuji's cute monkey ears.
"Can it cat! I'm the king of the jungle now!"
"As if!"
Ren interjected before they started their usual bickering. "I bet Makoto would look very cute with some panda ears."
"Ren-kun!" She whined, embarrassed as she clung to his arm.
"Aww don't be embarrassed! I think it would be cute too!" Ann, who was wearing cute cat ears, giggled.
"I wonder if they have one in the shape of a fox." Yusuke spoke while inspecting the pieces.
Futaba, who wore floppy bunny ears, snickered. "Maybe we need to get you a lobster suit instead, Inari!"
He actually lit up at the thought. "How very intriguing. Is that the elusive activity you call crossdressing?"
Futaba rolled her eyes, but then snickered. "I think you mean cosplaying. Crossdressing is something else."
Ann clapped her hands. "But you'd totally rock the crossdressing looks too!"
Haru looked just as amused. "Certainly. Yusuke-kun is a bit of a pretty boy, isn't he?"
"Huh, actually yeah, that might just work." Makoto said.
Yusuke, unaware of the implications of the girls dressing him up in the opposite sex, merely smiled at their compliments. "You all flatter me, ladies."
Ren and Ryuji both snickered at his cluelessness.
"Hey lady Ann, do you think I would look cute too?" Morgana asked, eager to get some attention.
"Oh, you bet! We're gonna find the cutest kitty clothes for you too!"
"Huh, kitty clothes!? Hey, that is not what I meant at all!" He protested as he realized the trap he walked in.
They spent the rest of the time having a couple of laughs at each other's expenses, and taking photos with the mascots. Finally, they had enough of the tour and decided to finally go enjoy some of the rides and attractions.
"Yo, I wanna see the pirate cove!" Ryuji shouted rabidly.
Yusuke closed his eyes and smiled. "I shall explore the grand castle. It looks positively charming and a good source of inspiration."
Ann clapped her hands in excitement. "I'm totally going with you!"
Haru looked absolutely giddy. "I'm looking forward to seeing the haunted mansion myself."
"Oh yeah! Count me in, Haru!" Futaba said.
Ren saw his girlfriend shiver.
"Um no thanks, I think I'll just stick to the safer areas." Makoto said sheepishly.
Ren lightly bumped shoulders with his love. "Well, why don't we go on an enchanted boat ride?"
"Ohhh my god! That is so romantic!" Ann, the chronic shipper that she was, shrieked out.
"O-Okay." Makoto accepted, looking shy and self conscious. He gently squeezed her hand.
"Nice, we can all three go on a boat ride!" Morgana declared loudly.
Ren grinned menacingly. "Actually Morgana, why don't you and Ryuji spend some quality time together?"
"Huh? But…" He trailed off as he noticed Ren subtly cocking his head towards Makoto's direction.
"Feh. Okay, I'll go with the bonehead. Ryuji, you better not leave me behind in the pirate cove, do you hear me!?"
"Heh. No promises, Monamona!"
As soon as they left the others and entered the boat ride, Ren let go of a breath that he didn't know he was holding.
Being alone with Makoto again brought him many conflicting feelings. Mostly, feeling content and happy to be at her side, but also lingering feelings of concern after the events inside mementos.
They needed to have another proper talk.
"Mak-" He started, but was assaulted by an assertive and loving queen kissing his lips hungrily as soon as they were truly alone in the ride.
Ren could feel his blood pumping through his veins as he kissed her back just as hungrily, savoring the sweet taste of her lips while caressing her soft face and hair. It had been a long time since they had been with each other like this.
But as much as he wanted and needed to kiss her, he knew he had to slow her down so they could have that discussion.
He swore he could hear Arsène screaming at him for interrupting their makeout session.
"Hey, Mako, wait." He whispered breathlessly as they parted ways.
"What?" She asked, just as out of breath as she continued to kiss his face and jaw.
"I think we need to talk."
She froze in the middle of her affections, then let out a frustrated huff.
Putting some space between them, Makoto crossed her arms defensively. "Can't we leave that for later? I just want to enjoy the ride by your side."
He put his arm over her shoulder and snuggled to comfort her. "Well, I'd love to, but I'm afraid we need to address what happened back in mementos."
She sighed. "Fine. Go on."
He stared at her gorgeous face as he considered his words carefully. "I want to first say I'm sorry for taking your fighting outlet away from you. I was just scared of you getting hurt if you continued to act recklessly like that."
"Ren-kun… I told you, I can take care of myself. I'm not that weak." She said, sounding offended and frustrated.
"I never said you were. But please, put yourself in my shoes. What would you do if it were me risking myself constantly while disregarding my own wellbeing in the process?"
Her semi-aggressive posture bled out of her. "I guess I wouldn't be too happy either."
"Exactly. But I also admit that I went about that in the wrong way. I understand that fighting and doing something meaningful in the team is incredibly important to you. I apologize for ordering you away like that."
"It's fine. You are the leader after all, your word is law. And I behaved appallingly anyways." She said, sounding defeated.
"I'm a leader, not a tyrant. And I understand that you had your emotions running high that day. I'm sorry for not being there for you and giving you the emotional support that you needed at that moment." He told her earnestly.
"Ren-kun" She said as she hugged him, slotting her head under his chin. "It's not your fault. I know I haven't been easy to deal with. I just… I don't know, I'm still trying to figure out what is wrong with me."
Then, a bitter look crossed her face, as if remembering something unpleasant. "Well, other than wanting to be far away from Sae, that is."
Ren frowned. "Are you really still that angry with Sae-san? She wasn't even the most unreasonable out of us all that day."
He saw her close her eyes and snuggle herself further against him. He gently played with her hair.
She finally responded to him a few minutes later. "That is exactly what drives me crazy. At first, I was perfectly fine… But now I'm constantly doubting her motives now that she has changed. It doesn't feel real, you know? And it also feels unfair."
"In what sense?"
"You had to live with her to understand just how petty Sae could get before her change. Nothing I did was ever good enough, and I was either under constant criticism or being ignored as if I was invisible when she had nothing negative to say. For so long, I wanted her to see me, and approve of me… But then, I awoke to Johanna, and I realized I didn't need to listen to the adults anymore. And that I could keep going without her approval or even her love." She said, voice strained.
Makoto trailed her fingers across his chest, sporting a thoughtful look on her features.
"Now, though… Things are so complicated. Thanks to my recklessness, she no longer has a palace. Everyone is pointing out to me all the time that she is changing for the better, and how nice it is that I have a sister who tries for me. It makes me feel angry because now it invalidates all my previous feelings in the matter, and it means I now have to accept this and move on, but I don't see a way to do it."
He sighed, his heart hurting for her. "I'm sorry that things are this messy and difficult, love."
She snuggled into him. He kissed her hair and held her tenderly, caressing her arms comfortingly.
"I talked to Sae-san face to face, yesterday." He told her a few minutes later. "She looked so defeated that it even made me feel for her."
Makoto sighed. "I know she is hurting. I want to hate her so much too, but… I can't do it."
"Honestly, I hated your sister at first because of how she treated you, but… You know, I also realize now that I didn't know the full picture of your lives either. I didn't even know you two had uncles, or just when your mother had passed away. I had been under the impression your sister only had to take care of you as an adult, not as a little child."
He saw her wince. "I guess I haven't been the most open about my family situation. It's just that sometimes I feel like it's too selfish for me to open up..."
He shook his head. "We had this conversation so many times… You aren't being selfish."
She leaned back, extricating herself from his arms and looked him in the eye. "I know. I'm sorry."
He ran a hand through his hair. "Don't be, my point is… The lack of information coupled with the fact that your sister did Sojiro and you dirty put her on my shit list."
He picked her hand up and drew circles upon it.
"But, now I can't help but feel like the both of you were massively let down by the circumstances, which led to this really difficult and sort of unhealthy family dynamic. Maybe you should tell your sister how you really feel, and see what her perspective is."
Makoto looked defeated and lost. "But I don't know how I feel entirely! I told you, everything is so confusing!"
He put a finger under her chin and tilted her head up. He smiled. "Mako, you don't need all the answers. Go on anyways, even if it's messy, tell her what you feel at the moment, no matter how confusing or contradictory it sounds. It's feelings, not reason."
She stared back at his eyes and then finally nodded. "Alright. I guess you are right."
He gave her an approving smile. "Atta girl."
Makoto's pensive look soon morphed into an intense one, as she glared at him.
"Now, be a good boy and come here." She told him with aggressive assertiveness.
Ren squeaked out and blushed at her sudden tone shift.
"Fucking finally!" Arsène cheered.
Before he could protest, he was soon distracted by the delicious taste of Makoto's lips upon his once more.
Sae couldn't get out of the office fast enough. Just before getting in her car, she received another message from Futaba with pictures of the kids having fun at Destinyland, with the young girl showing her all the cute prizes Amamiya-kun and Kitagawa-kun had won for her.
Her gaze focused on a group picture of the kids posing with a Jack Frost mascot.
Sakamoto-kun was goofing around while wearing a monkey ear headpiece. Beside him was Takamaki-chan, also wearing cat ears and making a cute pose for the camera. Okumura-chan seemed more composed but also smiled happily. She was between Kitagawa-kun, who was framing something else far away with his hands, and Makoto, who held a childlike wonder in her eyes. Sakura-chan and Amamiya-kun were both in the center beside her sister and the goofy Jack Frost suit, with Morgana's head peeking out cutely from Amamiya-kun's backpack.
She traced Makoto's face in the picture. Her sister looked precious in the photo, sharing a happy moment with her dearest friends.
Well, at least it looked like she was having fun. That made Sae feel a little better overall.
She pocketed her phone and started her car.
Her thoughts turned back to her earlier interaction with Doctor Takemi. The conversation with her senpai had also helped Sae immensely. Maybe she should invite her out for a couple of drinks sometime? Now that they were both adults, Sae felt like she was on more even ground and could nurture a proper friendship without the age imbalance of her youth days.
Back when they were at school, Takemi was always the authority figure, as evidenced by the time she scolded Sae viciously for trying to smoke a pack of cigarettes on the roof.
Her mouth curled in amusement remembering her rebellious phase. She was so angry at her dad that she thought she could get back at him by smoking. Thankfully, after Takemi gave her a serious sermon on ruining her lungs and dying earlier for it, she never touched a cigarette ever again.
'I guess I'll have to think about it. Can't give her fuel to tease me endlessly either.'
After finally driving for several minutes, she arrived at the Okumura Foods headquarters. She parked her car and swiftly entered the building.
After following Okumura-chan's relayed instructions, she was let into the large conference room. She immediately spotted Kunikazu Okumura surrounded by his staff and security, and noticed several journalists milling around.
Ignoring them, Sae sat down on an advantageous spot to watch what was most likely going to be his confession, and waited.
'Today I will finally learn who is behind these mental shutdowns.' She thought with determination shining through her mahogany eyes.
After they had their fill of the attractions, the gang met up again to enjoy their celebratory dinner. The staff brought out the table and food just for them, which actually surprised her friends.
"I thought if we were going to dine together, it would be better to do it somewhere with a view." She explained as she felt a little self conscious at their shocked stares.
'I guess they are not used to this level of being catered to. I'll have to be a bit more tactful going forward, or else I'll come across as really spoiled.'
They finally sat down and enjoyed their food, conversing with one another and just having an overall good time.
"Mm, that was delicious" Makoto exclaimed after they finished their dinner.
Yusuke stared at his plate with elation. "The food was arranged on my plate as though it were painted on a canvas."
"The VIP life is incredible! Not that I'd expect anything else from a private rental!" Ann spoke, looking quite dazed with the level of extravagance.
Makoto looked around. "There really is no one else here..."
Futaba, however, just let out her trademarked gremlin laughter. "We are the rulers of the kingdom of dreams!"
Makoto gave Futaba a little headpat, then looked towards the skies as soon as the fireworks started. "Is this lighting just for our sake as well?"
Haru smiled. "That's right, Mako-chan."
Yusuke's eyes shimmered in wonderment. "It's beautiful."
Haru stared at the young artist in appreciation. He really was a pretty boy.
"It's not as beautiful as you…" Futaba said with a goofy intonation of her voice.
Haru saw Ren-kun toss a lovesick look at Makoto, whose cheeks dusted pink. The heiress felt her lips curling in amusement.
Futaba snickered. "That's the kinda stuff couples say, right?"
Ann sighed wistfully. "Almost anyone would fall for that line in front of a sight like this!"
Mona-chan cleared his throat. "Lady Ann, this view is not as beautiful as-"
But Ryuj interrupted him by slamming his hand on the table and having a laugh at their expense. "C'mon, you guys're gettin' way too excited about this mushy stuff!"
The other blonde rolled her eyes at Ryuji trying to play the cool guy. "Ugh. You say that like you're not tapping into your inner child too, Ryuji. You're even wearing cute monkey ears!"
"This is just 'cause Futaba kept naggin' me to put 'em on!" He protested.
"I did not!" Futaba said, inspecting her nails.
"Hey, you said somethin' like that!" Ryuji insisted.
"Alright kids, don't fight while wearing the cute headgear! Dad's orders." Ren said with mock seriousness.
Ryuji grumbled. "Dude, what the eff…"
Yusuke started to chuckle joyously. "My, this is so heartwarming…!"
Yusuke-kun had a nice voice, smooth, rich and soothing. Haru sighed for no reason.
"Honestly, I would've liked to see the parade as well. But given how sudden the request was, they couldn't get enough staff together to do it." Haru said apologetically.
Makoto sent her a smile. "Perhaps that will have to wait until next time."
"Either way, this party's totally the best one so far! It's freakin' amazing!" Ryuji cheered on.
That made Haru feel happy. "I'm glad to see you're enjoying it."
"Be careful, Haru. You've shown these guys what luxury means. This'll really raise the bar for our next celebration party." Morgana said smugly.
Yusuke shook his head in disapproval. "You're already talking about our next party? Don't you think that's somewhat premature?"
Morgana just shrugged in response.
Haru felt quite content in the presence of her new friends. And to think that her life changed so much in so little time.
Sometimes, it felt too good to be true.
"Well, I forgot to tell everyone earlier, but… My father has broken the engagement with Sugimura!" She said, feeling genuinely elated.
The table exploded in cheers.
"Hell yeah! Way to go man, we rock!" Ryuji said as he let out a whoop.
Futaba also let out a loud whistle and sent her a thumbs up.
"We did it!" Mona-chan said as he jumped off Futaba's lap and approached her, butting his head on her hands happily. She petted him.
"Haru, that is amazing!" Ann exclaimed happily.
"We're happy for you, Haru." Ren congratulated her with a kind smile.
"I'm glad to hear that!" Makoto told her sincerely while sending her a supportive look.
"That is very wonderful to hear, senpai!" Yusuke exclaimed, his mouth curled in a gentle smile.
"Thanks, everyone!" She spoke, feeling happy.
Her mood changed slightly the next second, though.
"Still… How do I put this…? I met Mona-chan, I got to know you all… Isn't everything going a little too perfectly? It's actually a bit frightening…" She said, her nerves finally showing a bit.
"You worry too much." Morgana spoke, trying to ease her concerns.
She looked away in regret. "…I must just be overly cautious because of my circumstances up till recently. I'm sorry for bringing it up."
"Don't be, it's okay to feel that way. I understand your cautiousness perfectly." Makoto told her earnestly.
She felt grateful for her show of support. "Thank you, Mako-chan."
Makoto nodded at her, and the two of them exchanged a look of mutual respect and understanding.
They enjoyed the silence a bit, trying to relax in each other's presence, until Ann gasped out loud.
"Hey, isn't it almost time? You know, for the press conference?"
Ryuji grinned in anticipation. "Oh yeah, perfect timin'!"
Haru sucked in a deep breath. It was now or never. They all picked up their phones and started watching the press conference.
Her father looked a bit more frail and sickly than when she left him this morning. Still, he looked forward, his head held high.
"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to gather here tonight." He said, his voice the very embodiment of defeat.
"Today, I'd like to elaborate upon the whole truth behind my company's labor situation."
"How my employers were forced to work under severe conditions, how… lax we were with sanitation, and how my corporation acted as a whole to… cover up every facet of this scandal."
He stared ahead, a dead look on his eyes, his regret and shame bleeding in. "For all of this, I wholeheartedly apologize."
Her father bowed deep in front of the cameras and the audience. Several flashes of lights could be seen as the journalists took photos of the great Kunikazu Okumura looking broken and defeated. These would hit the headlines first thing in the morning.
She felt as if she had something stuck down her throat.
One journalist leveraged a question at her father. "So are you saying all of this was done under your orders?"
"...Yes. I… am solely responsible…"
"We heard that dozens of your employees were forced to resign due to mysterious illnesses. Furthermore, these happened to be officials who stood against your proposal for overseas expansion."
The journalist paused, but soon continued. "The same thing also happened to executives at competing companies who were looking to expand abroad. Is all of this true?"
Her father had no room to deny anything. "Yes."
"Was it all coincidence?" The same journalist from before questioned firmly.
For the first time since starting the conference, her father looked away, seeming deeply ashamed and even more defeated than before.
"We'd like some answers." Another journalist pressed him.
Her father finally recovered and stared firmly ahead. "About that… I have a critical piece of information to announce here today."
"Here it comes! Okumura's going to say who's really behind the mental shutdowns." Mona-chan exclaimed seriously.
Haru's heart beat strongly against her ribcage, and for a split second, she swore she could hear milady scream violently inside her own mind.
"About that… I have a critical piece of information to announce here today."
Sae's own breath hitched. It was time.
Her anticipation was, however, cut off abruptly as Okumura suddenly started to clutch at his own chest in increasing desperation. His eyes bulged out, rolling to the back of his head in a terrifying, twisted way as his hands clawed at his own torso.
"Aaagh!" He screamed out in horrifying, excruciating pain.
Then, as soon as it started, it stopped. He hunched down in front of the desk, his head hanging low, and froze in that position.
She swore there were splatters of something black coming out from where his head was under.
Sae trembled. She couldn't feel her own fingers or toes, everything in her body growing numb as her eyes widened in horror.
"Okumura-san…?" The man right next to him asked hesitantly.
Okumura finally lifted his head, and his twisted, white eyes stared right at her.
Black tar. Black blood.
Everyone screamed, but Sae had no voice at all. The man next to Okumura fell down to his ass and backed away, looking on in horror and fright, as several other people in the vicinity started running away in panic. Flashes of cameras dazed her, but she could not turn away from the horrific sight even with the pain of the sudden lights hitting her eyes directly.
Okumura stared right at her.
Black tar. Black blood.
Sae…
Sensei stared right at her.
Black tar. Black blood.
Sae…
Help me, Sae…
Black tar. Black blood.
Her sensei screamed, and Sae screamed with him.
"Help, somebody! Sensei! Sensei!" She shouted in desperation as the man clung on to her, his eyes rolling to the back of his head, black, tar-like blood running from his eyes, ears, nose, mouth.
He rasped her name over and over and over in twisted agony, as if in a dark, psychotic mantra.
There was so much black blood, the smell pungent, putrid, foul.
Black tar. Black blood.
"Sensei, please!" She screamed, her voice hoarse as she cried out in sheer horror and fear.
"S…ae…" The now cadaver stuttered out.
"Help!" She screamed.
Nobody came for them.
Shigeru Odawara died in a puddle of his own blackened blood, resting upon Sae Niijima's arms as she cried while clutching his corpse to her own chest.
To be continued…