Phantom Files Book 2: Rise Of The Monarchs

by sithlorde1988

The sequel to Persona 5-The Phantom Files. A few years after Ren returns home, the Phantom Thieves find themselves drawn back into the Metaverse once again out of nowhere after a mysterious app surfaces with the powers to access the Metaverse. Can the Phantom Thieves stop a mysterious new group of individuals called Monarchs? Better summary in chapter 1! BOTH STORY AND EDITS DONE!

25. Arc 5 Finale: Battle for Akane

A/N: sithlorde1988 here, with another chapter of Phantom Files, Book 2: Rise Of The Monarchs! I don't really have a lot to say just now, so I guess I'll just jump straight into the disclaimer, so here it is.

Disclaimer: I, sithlorde1988, do not own the Persona series in ANY way, shape, or form ((excluding the OCs Kusa/Draconis, Taichi, Momoe, the OC Personas Albus, Malefor, and the idea of the Phantom Thief attire for both Pendragon and *REDACTED*. I do not, however, own the OC Persona Hester, nor the design/concept of Shiho/Flare's Phantom Thief attire.

Both of them belog to thalassatides (at symbol) bsky on X (or Twitter as it used to be called), who does really good work with their designs, so give them a look if you get a chance)) and the actual ownership for the Persona series belongs to Atlus, Sega, and to an extent Koei Tecmo ((at least where it comes to Strikers.

The other spinoffs (Tactica, Phantom X, the 'Arena' games, the 'Dancing' games, and the 'Q' games) all belong to other studios. For example, the 'Arena' games are part-owned (or at least part-made) by Arcworks Studios (if I have that name right), while I have no idea who part-owns the rest of the spinoffs, but the companies that do own them know who they are and get credit for owning the spinoffs)), so full ownership and creative credit to them!

And with that disclaimer done and dusted, I don't have much of anything else to say, so I suppose let's get on with the chapter, and I'll try to do a longer A/N after the chapter, so feel free to keep reading after the chapter if you want to see that. Otherwise, here's chapter 25!

Chapter 25- Jail Exploring, Investigation 101, and more? Howl of the Resolute Wolf part 3

(In the hideaway hideout, with Ren, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, Goro, Sumire, Kusa, Sophia, Sojiro, Shiho, and Zenkichi)

While weighing the group's options, Ren saw there was another batch of requests, so he decided to take those. After doing the ones he could immediately do, he then led the group into the Okinawa Jail to handle the rest...

(Inside the Okinawa Jail, with Joker, Mona, Skull, Panther, Fox, Queen, Oracle, Noir, Crow, Violet, Draconis, Seeker, Pendragon, Flare, and Wolf)

As the group began their exploration of the Okinawa Jail to try and finish the requests that Joker had accepted, Wolf spoke up with a worried look on his face.

"Can someone please explain why we are suddenly doing these requests in this Jail and not saving my daughter in her own Jail? Can't we just do these requests later?" Wolf asked as Draconis spoke up after resisting the urge to groan at how one-track Wolf's mind was, which Draconis didn't blame Wolf for given the circumstances behind his becoming a full-fledged Phantom Thief.

"We're just doing the requests that are quick for us to get done. Once we're through with those, we will head back into the Kyoto Jail. Plus this will be a good opportunity for you to practice with your Persona as well as learn the basics of the Metaverse with us before we do the actual infiltration of the Kyoto Jail." Draconis replied as Wolf sighed and spoke up, conceding as he did so that Draconis had a point.

"Alright, you have a point. But I don't want to stay here too long then." Wolf said as the group continued onwards and it wasn't long until Seeker spoke up.

"Hey, everyone? Would you say that I'm 'useful'? I sure hope so." Seeker said as Mona spoke up before Violet could do so.

"Useful!? Why would you ask such a thing, Lady Seeker? Of course you're useful! I might not like to admit this, but with all apologies to Oracle, you're one of the best navigators this group has had in a long time. Not to mention you bring that certain air of much needed youthful eagerness and even slight innocence to our group, which is something it's largely been lacking since most of us started pairing off into couples within the group. Needless to say, this group's innocence level has dropped a LOT since most of us starting dating within the group.

I say most, since both Fox and Lady Panther, even if the latter only did so for a shorter time, had girlfriends outside the group. Not only that, but you're incredibly bright, easygoing, and fun to be around. So to answer your question? I can't speak for the others, but for me? The answer is a very resounding YES. Yes, you are VERY useful, Lady Seeker. Never doubt yourself." Mona said kindly, shocking both Joker and Violet with his honest words.

Seeker, for her part, only gaped at Mona in a mix of shock and a certain other feeling that Violet and Joker couldn't quite identify before slowly having her face shift into a very brilliant and grateful closed-eye smile as she spoke up while pulling Mona into a hug, to the cat-boy's shock.

"Thank you, Mona. I wasn't expecting such kind words from you, but I'll gratefully accept them just the same. I appreciate you cheering me up." Seeker said as she briefly laid her head on Mona's shoulder before shocking not only Mona, but the rest of the group, by shyly leaning up to press a kiss to Mona's cheek, giggling at the stunned look on his face as she kept speaking, her eyes briefly narrowing as she spoke before shifting back to a more content expression after a bit.

"That was for being so nice to me, as well as a very belated thank you for what you did for me against the Lock Keeper. That said, DON'T EVER SCARE ME LIKE THAT AGAIN! I thought you'd died when you hit the ground before, Mona! But, I'm grateful that you care about me enough that you were willing to take what was considered to be a literal bullet for me." Seeker said, walking back over to fall into step with Violet as the group kept moving, with only Draconis seeing the subtle hints of a blush on Mona's face as he put a hand to the spot where Seeker's lips had touched his cheek, one thought going through his mind in that moment.

"Did that just happen!? Also, why is it I'm so much more flustered and even stunned now than I was before that she did that?" Mona thought to himself as he followed the group through the Okinawa Jail. While fighting off Shadows for requests, Skull hit level 48 and gained the group buff skill 'Matarukaja', making him grin as he spoke up

"All right! A new move!" Skull said as Queen spoke up.

"And a useful one at that, no less. I'm impressed, sweetie. Good job on the new move." Queen said approvingly as Skull grinned while being high-fived by Joker as Seiten Taisei acquired 'Matarukaja'. While continuing through the Jail and clearing out any Shadows in the group's way, Queen hit level 48 and gained the support/buff skill 'Dekunda', making her smile as she spoke up.

"All right! My Persona just learned a new move!" Queen said as Skull grinned and spoke up.

"Not bad, babe! Lookin' good over there, Queen." Skull said as Queen blushed but smiled as she pulled Skull into a brief kiss by way of a thank-you as Anat acquired 'Dekunda'. After clearing out more Shadows, Joker and Oracle hit level 53 while Violet and Wolf hit level 49 and Pendragon, Crow, Flare, and Draconis all hit level 48, the level ups giving new moves to Oracle, Wolf, and Flare, the former gaining the passive skill 'Final Guard' on Al Azif, the middle gaining the passive skill 'Enduring Soul', and the latter gaining the medium-tier Physical move 'Oni-Kagura', making Oracle speak up with a smirk.

"Ooh, I got a new move! Check it out!" Oracle said as Draconis spoke up with a smirk.

"Very nice, Oracle. Just like you, that skill is incredibly sexy. However, I can't help but notice that seems to be Al Azif's final level-up skill. I didn't think you'd be the first of us to get all their skills maxed out on a Persona?" Draconis said in confusion as Violet spoke up with a smile.

"Technically, Seeker was the first, since 'Kougaon?' was her apparent final level-up skill." Violet said as Draconis spoke up.

"I realize that, but I don't count Seeker since I'm quite positive that she's not done gaining skills yet, despite the evidence to the contrary. But for now, that's just a speculative guess on my part since I lack proof to make it a definitive fact." Draconis said as Oracle smiled and spoke up.

"I think it is Al Azif's final level up skill. But it's fine, since I still have Albus who can gain moves, and I feel as if he's still got plenty of new moves left to get. So really, I both am, and at the same time am not, the first of us to finish learning level-up skills on a Persona if we don't count Seeker's apparent maxing out of Pithos' skill set." Oracle said as she sneakily stole a kiss from Draconis, who smirked and returned the kiss, making sure to turn Oracle so that she was blocking Seeker's view of the two kissing, amid an approving nod from Violet, as Al Azif acquired 'Final Guard'. At that point, Wolf spoke up.

"All right, looks like Valjean mastered a new skill!" Wolf said as Mona spoke up.

"Impressive, Wolf. You just joined, and already you're gaining new moves." Mona said as Wolf smirked while Valjean acquired 'Enduring Soul'. For her part, Flare giggled and spoke up.

"Hee hee, Wolf's bravado aside, it looks like the chemistry is strong with you two, eh Draconis and Oracle? That said, y'know what else is strong with this group? This new skill Hester just got! Not bad, huh?" Flare said as Panther giggled and spoke up. *1*

"That's adorable that you're getting so smug over a new move, Flare. But, um? Maybe don't use that line? I feel like that's a line that a guy would say rather than a girl." Panther pointed out warily as Flare nodded her understanding before stealing a kiss from a blushing Panther as Hester acquired 'Oni-Kagura'. Seeker then cocked her head to the side a bit and spoke up.

"Umm, I didn't realize two girls could kiss each other like that?" Seeker said in confusion as Joker and Violet's eyes widened at the question before Joker spoke up.

"Honestly, Seeker? Love comes in many forms. Just as a man and a woman can love one another, it's also possible for two men or two women to love each other. As you can see, Panther and Flare are into women, and are dating one another. But we all support their choices. I know you're probably confused by that, but it'll make sense eventually. Oh, but maybe don't go looking that sort of stuff up online, to be on the safe side? There are those who frown quite heavily on same-sex couples in the world." Joker said as Seeker smiled and spoke up.

"Okay, I get it. Thank you for that explanation, Joker. Is this related to the footage I found on Oracle's phone while she was analyzing me which was made up of her tripping Violet and then looking into her eyes rather coyly? Because I got a strong sense of something in that video, though I'm not quite sure how to describe it." Seeker said, not seeing Joker and Violet both gasp before turning disapproving looks onto a sheepish Oracle, who spoke up.

"Eheh, I don't know what she's talking about, much less when she'd have the chance to go through my phone?" Oracle said as Violet spoke up in a scarily calm whisper.

"Oracle? Listen to me, very carefully. DO. NOT. EVER. EXPOSE SEEKER TO INAPPROPRIATE STUFF. AGAIN! GOT IT!? Otherwise, next time I hear about it, I might just be sending Pendragon a certain video clip you sent me of you and Draconis sneaking a late-night quickie in the Wilton buffet!" Violet said, making Joker and Draconis' eyes widen as both spoke up at the same time.

"YOU GOT A VIDEO CLIP OF WHAT!?" Draconis asked in surprise as Joker spoke up.

"YOU TWO DID WHAT IN THE WILTON BUFFET!? EWW! MOST OF US GO THERE TO EAT, YOU TWO!" Joker said as Seeker spoke up in confusion.

"Quickie? How does one have a 'quickie' in a buffet?" Seeker asked as Mona saw the borderline-horrified looks on Joker and Violet's faces at Seeker's question and spoke up to answer it.

"Don't worry about that right now, Lady Seeker. Trust me when I say it's something you'll learn more about when you're a bit older. And try not to read so much into how naughty Joker, Violet, Draconis, and Oracle all can be. It's much easier on you that way." Mona said, ignoring the quartet of unimpressed glares he got from the named Thieves as Queen eventually spoke up.

"Aaanyways, weren't we about to finish up this request run and return to the real world?" Queen pointed out, amid approving nods from the rest of the group, who then kept moving while Joker and Violet both gave Oracle pretty impressive side-eye glares as Oracle sheepishly walked ahead of them with Draconis. After a bit, the group found a checkpoint, which Joker used to bring the group back to the real world...

(A short time later, in the hideaway, with Futaba, Ann, Shiho, Morgana, Kusa, Yusuke, Goro, Haru, Makoto, Sumire, Ryuji, Sojiro, Ren, Zenkichi, and Sophia)

After taking a break to sell the materials the group had picked up from the Okinawa Jail and re-stock supplies, Ren prepared the group to return to the Kyoto Jail, which everyone agreed with...

(At the same time, back at Konoe's office, with Konoe, Yu, Yosuke, Chie, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise, Teddie, Naoto, and Labrys)

"Well, it took me longer than planned, but here you go. One smart-phone outfitted with EMMA." Konoe said as he handed Yu the phone in mention, which he reluctantly accepted. As he did so, he turned to his allies and spoke up.

"Well, this is it. If we use this phone, we can go and confront the Phantom Thieves. However, since I can't be sure we won't end up in over our heads, I propose that Labrys stays behind so that she can be a back-up if needed, as well as so she can report the situation to Kirijo-san and keep her apprised to the situation. Also, I think Labrys was due to report in anyways, was she not?" Yu said as Labrys spoke up with a nod.

"Right. Mitsuru-san is probably expecting me to report my progress. I'll probably just step outside and fill her in once you guys head into the Jail, as Konoe-san called it, to confront the Phantom Thieves." Labrys said as Yu nodded and spoke into the phone Konoe gave him after Labrys bowed and left the room to go and make her report to Mitsuru.

"EMMA? Add the Phantom Thieves to my friend registry. The keyword is 'Phantom Thieves'." Yu said as he and the others heard a 'BIP!' from the phone as EMMA spoke up.

"Keyword successfully entered. Beginning navigation." EMMA said as the Investigation Team was pulled into the Metaverse...

(A short time later, in the Kyoto Jail, with Joker, Mona, Skull, Panther, Fox, Queen, Oracle, Noir, Crow, Violet, Draconis, Seeker, Pendragon, Flare, and Wolf)

As the group landed in the Kyoto Jail, Joker spoke up with a nod.

"Okay, before anything else, let's establish our teams for this run through the Kyoto Jail. In Group A, which I myself will lead, I want the lineup to be myself, Wolf, Queen, and Noir. In Group B, which will be led by Draconis, the lineup for that group shall be Draconis, Skull, Violet, Pendragon, and Fox. Finally, in Group C, which Crow will lead, the lineup should consist of Crow, Mona, Seeker, Panther, and Flare. As usual, Oracle will act as a go-between and handle navigation for all three teams. Any objections to these teams?" Joker asked, getting no objections as the group separated into the indicated teams as they started their exploration of the Kyoto Jail, at which point Wolf spoke up, mostly to himself.

"Hang in there, Akane. I won't make you wait for long. Your daddy's coming." Wolf said as Mona spoke up with a frown.

"Stay in control, Wolf. Don't let your emotions get the better of you." Mona lightly rebuked Wolf as Noir spoke up.

"Mona-chan's right. Letting yourself lose control won't do you any good, nor will it do Akane-chan any good." Noir said as Wolf spoke up, looking suitably chastened.

"Yeeeah, good point. Sorry, everyone. Sooo, I really have to use a code name now, huh?" Wolf said as Crow spoke up.

"Precisely. Not only is it something of a security measure, but it's like your ID within the group. Basically, your code name is your way of belonging within the Phantom Thieves." Crow said as Joker spoke up.

"Crow's right. But more to the point, we use code names so our targets can't try to track us down in the real world." Joker said as the others nodded before Oracle suddenly started slightly bumping her head in time to the slightly Japanese-sounding music playing in the background, and even Draconis found himself admitting the music was kind of on the catchy side. *2*

After finishing her little impromptu headbanging session, Oracle smiled and spoke up.

"Besides, wouldn't it blow the real Akane-chan's mind to find out that her own dad is the newest member of the Phantom Thieves?" Oracle said as Wolf just nodded as the group kept moving. After reaching some arches, Fox spoke up.

"Hmm, arches, eh? If we're to pass under them, we should pick a side to stand on. It would be poor manners to stand in the middle." Fox said as Noir spoke up with a nod.

"Ah, yes, I've heard about that. Are there any other rules?" Noir asked as Fox spoke up.

"Well, if we're to show the proper courtesy, we should bow while passing under each one." Fox said as Skull gaped at that and spoke up with wide eyes.

"Wha-? You see how many of them there are! We'll be moving through here all day!" Skull said as Oracle spoke up with a sly grin.

"Actually, it's already nighttime." Oracle said as Crow frowned and spoke up.

"I do believe Skull was speaking metaphorically, Oracle." Crow said as Draconis spoke up.

"And it's a figure of speech, anyways. Also, props to Skull for knowing how long we'd be bowing if we followed Fox's idea." Draconis said as Flare spoke up.

"Do people seriously do that?" Flare asked as Fox spoke up.

"Only as a way of showing courtesy. Outside of that, doing what I just suggested is very strictly optional." Fox said sagely as Wolf huffed and spoke up.

"Can we save the semantics for later, you guys? There's no time for messing around. Akane's waiting for us." Wolf said anxiously as the others nodded and the group kept moving. After a bit more walking, the group arrived in an open area that had a statue blocking one path, which appeared to depict a pair of foxes staring at one another. Seeker saw this and cocked her head to the side in confusion while speaking up.

"These are statues. But more than that, they appear to be depicting a pair of foxes?" Seeker said as Violet spoke up.

"Very good, Seeker. That is indeed a pair of foxes. A mated pair, to be precise. That is, assuming that's why they're staring at one another so intently." Violet said as Joker smirked and spoke up.

"Maybe it's like that pair of Shiisaa statues that were placed at that fountain back in Okinawa. Y'know, the ones that we figured were a couple?" Joker said as Fox and Violet nodded their understanding as Oracle spoke up.

"Sounds like I missed a bit while I went with Draconis, Mona and Crow to hang out with Taichi and Momoe. That said, the path continues down beyond those gates, but with that thing here, we're not getting through very easily, if at all." Oracle said as the group looked around before Wolf grinned and spoke up, noticing a path off to the right that he pointed out as he spoke.

"I see. If we can't get through this way, then we'd better check out some other paths for clues. Time for some legwork, you guys." Wolf said as the group kept moving. After proceeding along the path Wolf pointed out, Joker stopped the group, gesturing for them to hide, which they did in time to see a pair of guard Shadows stop and talk to one another, one speaking up in a very strained-sounding voice.

"Those filthy thieves! It sounds like we got intruders. What's the status of that fox shrine?" The strained-sounding guard Shadow asked the other guard Shadow, who spoke up in a confident-sounding voice.

"Don't worry. They won't be getting anywhere, not unless they reach the 'Father Fox Shrine'." The confident guard Shadow said as the strained-sounding guard Shadow nodded and spoke up.

"Ah, that's right. I forgot about that. The 'Father Fox Shrine' is deep within the complex. They'll never find it." The strained-sounding guard Shadow said as the confident guard Shadow nodded and spoke up.

"Right. Now let's get back to our patrol of the area." The confident guard Shadow said as the two guard Shadows walked off. Once they were out of earshot, Mona frowned and spoke up.

"Hmm, I see. So, it seems there's something we need to do at the 'Father Fox Shrine' before we can proceed. If that's true, I say we should check it out." Mona said as Queen spoke up with a frown.

"Hmm, that's a good plan, Mona. We could do that, but there's one problem. We don't exactly know where the 'Father Fox Shrine' is." Queen said as Wolf spoke up.

"Oh, really? Well, in that case, why not try and find out? That's why we investigate, you guys. First thing you do when you need more information. In fact, you could say we were investigating just now." Wolf said as Skull spoke up with a frown.

"Yeah? That was more eavesdroppin' than investigating if you ask me. But whatever, I guess it's fine. We're thieves. We do that shit." Skull said as Pendragon huffed and spoke up.

"That's one way to put it, Skull. I think it's more apt to say that gathering info is kind of an implied part of the job description if you're part of the Phantom Thieves." Pendragon said as Mona spoke up.

"I agree with Pendragon. But either way, let's scour the area and listen in close if we hear any signs of there being whisperings going on." Mona said as the group kept moving. After looking around some more, Joker's eyes widened as he heard the sounds of shouting, gesturing for the group to hide, which they did as Joker listened in on a pair of what sounded like guard Shadows talking.

"Hey! Who gave you permission to slack off!? Get your ass over to the 'Father Fox Shrine'!" The first guard, who sounded like they were quite livid from how they were shouting, said as the second guard, a slacker by the sounds of their voice, spoke up.

"Uh, right. Sorry, but can you remind me where that was again?" The slacker guard asked as the shouting guard spoke up.

"Really!? How many times must I tell you!? The 'Father Fox Shrine' is all the way northeast of the complex!" The shouting guard rebuked the slacker guard, who sighed and spoke up.

"Ugh, you mean I gotta walk all that way? Fine, I'm heading there now." The slacker guard Shadow said before Joker stopped being able to hear the two, at which point Mona spoke up with a frown on his face.

"Hey! Did you guys catch that? The 'Father Fox Shrine' is at the northeast corner of the shrine complex." Mona said as Seeker smiled and nodded her understanding before she started scanning the area, eventually speaking up with a serious look on her face.

"Got it. So from here, if the scan I just took is accurate, that would mean we go back the way we came. After that, once we hit a fork in the road, we take the north path at said fork." Seeker said as Skull grinned and spoke up.

"Ah, yeah! Sweet! Then let's get a move on!" Skull said as Crow spoke up.

"I agree, Skull. The sooner we figure out the secret of that statue, the sooner we can find our target and help Wolf change her heart." Crow said as Flare smirked and spoke up, her next words making both Panther and Oracle have to hide their laughter at what she said, while Crow and Draconis both huffed at what was said.

"Imagine that. Who knew you had a heart in there after all, Crow? I'm impressed. Maybe Draconis was on to something when he said that there's at least some decency somewhere buried beneath all the layers of cynical, dry-witted pancake-fueled snark that makes you tick?" Flare said as Violet spoke up with a sigh.

"While you're not wrong, can we not poke fun at Crow while we're on the job, Flare? Save that for when we're between targets." Violet rebuked Flare before turning to look at Crow as she kept speaking.

"And Crow? I agree that Flare's little dig was uncalled for, but can you at least wait until after we deal with Akane-chan's Shadow to exact any retribution you see fit to exact? I'd rather we be at full power for when we get to Akane's Shadow." Violet said as Crow smirked and spoke up.

"That's quite all right, Violet. While I don't agree with Flare's remark, I'm also not going to snap at her for it. If nothing else, I'm trying not to react to every taunt aimed at me." Crow said as Draconis smirked and spoke up.

"Nice. Looks like it was worth the time I spent helping you learn to ignore negative comments, Crow." Draconis said as the group kept moving. After hitting the fork, the group found themselves whisked into a different part of the shrine while going through the northern path, at which point a wide-eyed Skull spoke up.

"Wha-!? Uhh, where are we? This ain't where we came from anymore, right?" Skull asked as Draconis spoke up.

"I think that's a safe assumption to make, Skull. But that still leaves the question of where we are. But judging from Oracle's expression, I think she has a hunch." Draconis said as Oracle spoke up.

"Correct. Let me scan the area real quick. Ah-ha, got it. So if we pass through one of those swirling things we end up somewhere else in the Jail entirely, seemingly at random." Oracle said as Pendragon sighed and spoke up.

"Really? Ugh, so much for a straight shot." Pendragon said as Wolf nodded and spoke up.

"No kidding. Ugh, so we can't even just walk where we want to anymore?" Wolf asked as Joker spoke up with a nod.

"That seems to be a reasonably succinct assessment of our situation, Wolf." Joker said as Fox spoke up.

"Indeed. In that case, that means our only choice is to see where our feet shall lead us." Fox said as Flare giggled and spoke up.

"Our feet, huh? Good thing most of us are pretty light on our feet, eh Violet?" Flare said as Violet spoke up.

"Well, I am an aspiring gymnast. So it kinda comes with the territory for me to be light on my feet. Not that I hear Joker-senpai complaining about that all that much, especially when he and I get to practice his gymnastics one-on-one. Hee hee." Violet said as Panther spoke up with a determined look.

"That's because Joker's totally in love with you, Violet." Panther said before turning to face Flare with a smile as she kept speaking.

"And Flare? Of course we're light on our feet. All right! If we have to trust in where our feet lead us, then let's see how far they can take us!" Panther said as the group kept moving. After a bit, the group found a locked chest which Mona opened to get a 'Chief's Cutlass' scimitar, making Draconis speak up.

"A Chief's Cutlass, eh? As much as it could be an upgrade for Pendragon, given how often Mona calls him 'chief', I think this might actually be an upgrade for Mona instead. Wanna give it a go, Mona?" Draconis said as Mona nodded, hefting the scimitar in his hand and smiling at how well it fit him as he spoke up.

"Nice! Looks like a perfect fit! If there's no objections, I'm using this from now on." Mona said as the group nodded their agreement and kept moving after Mona equipped the 'Chief's Cutlass'. After getting whisked into a nearby portal, the group emerged by another locked chest, which Mona opened to find a 'Bear Gloves S' weapon, making Skull speak up with a grin.

"Hm. Those look like fist weapons to me." Skull said before turning to Queen and speaking up.

"Hey, Queen. You rock the knuckles, so maybe this is an upgrade for you? Wanna give it a try?" Skull asked Queen, who nodded, taking the 'Bear Gloves S' from Mona and trying them on, smiling at how well they fit.

"Not bad. These fit quite nicely. I think I'll use them from now on." Queen said as she equipped the 'Bear Gloves S' and the group kept moving. After moving around a while, the group found themselves back at a spot they'd already been to, making Noir sigh as she spoke up.

"Hmm, well I'd say we've gone in a big circle. After all, it seems like we're back at the 'Daughter Fox Shrine' at this point." Noir said as Skull spoke up with a huff.

"Dammit, for real!? Not this again. Which way gets us to the 'Father Fox Shrine'?" Skull asked as Seeker spoke up.

"If I recall what I saw correctly, as well as what we all heard, it's supposed to be in the northeast section of the complex. Yet these portals we've found don't seem to connect in any sort of linear fashion." Seeker said with a frown as Mona nodded and spoke up with his own frown.

"I agree that this is quite frustrating, Lady Seeker. That said, are there any pathways we haven't explored yet? We may just have to check out every one we find to be on the safe side." Mona said as the group kept moving. After finding another path the group hadn't taken, Joker stopped the group as he heard voices in a building nearby, signalling for the group to stay quiet, which they did as they listened in to what sounded like a pair of guard Shadows talking, one sounding quite flustered as it spoke.

"Ugh, patrol duty's the pits. All we do is pace around like idiots, back and forth, over and over, and for what? I'm sick and tired of this." The flustered guard said as the other guard, who sounded rather optimistic from their voice, spoke up.

"Yeah, well get over it! This is our job, so get it done right!" The optimistic guard said as the flustered guard spoke up.

"How can I when I can't even remember how to get anywhere!?" The flustered guard said as the optimistic guard smiled and spoke up.

"Ahh, you're still getting lost, I see. No matter. Just let yourself get used to the layout of the area. Once you're fully acclimated, you can get around with your eyes closed. Just pay attention to where you are and where the paths take ya." The optimistic guard said as the flustered guard spoke up.

"Oh, I get it. Just keep track of the path names, yeah? For example, this is the 'Path of Fortune', right? Keep going and you'll reach the 'Father Fox Shrine'." The flustered guard said as the optimistic guard nodded and spoke up.

"Oh, right, we are on the 'Path of Fortune', aren't we? I forgot how close the 'Father Fox Shrine' was. We better guard that at all costs." The optimistic guard said before the two stopped speaking, at which point Mona spoke up once the group was out of earshot of the two guards.

"Hm. Did you guys hear that? This path leads to the 'Father Fox Shrine'." Mona said as Crow spoke up.

"True, but that's assuming we're not being fed false information. After all, who's to say the guards weren't aware we were eavesdropping and fed us false info to throw us off the trail?" Crow said skeptically as Pendragon spoke up.

"I can see the logic in your words, Crow. But at the same time, aren't you giving them too much credit?" Pendragon asked as Queen spoke up with a nod.

"I agree with Pendragon. We should take what we just heard with a grain of salt." Queen said as Panther spoke up with a nod.

"Right. Um, so if we believe what we just heard, this is the right way, then? Let's go!" Panther said as the group kept moving. After being whisked through another portal, the group found themselves in a rather lush-looking forest area, at which point Joker saw guards ahead and signaled for everyone to hide, which they did in time for Joker to hear the sounds of the two guards speaking to one another, the first one sounding quite excited from the tone of their voice.

"Hey, I think I hear that furball mewlin' away. You wanna go catch it?" The excited guard said as the other guard spoke up, their voice making it clear they were dissatisfied.

"No way, I'm not getting in trouble for leaving my post." The dissatisfied guard said as the excited guard sweatdropped as the dissatisfied guard turned to face the excited guard and kept speaking.

"Oh, but speaking of which, why are we chasing a cat again?" The dissatisfied guard asked as the excited guard spoke up.

"Because the 'Ancient Lord' has been off his rocker, saying a cat's been causin' him trouble." The excited guard said as the dissatisfied guard huffed and spoke up, neither guard seeing the skeptical looks both Draconis and Seeker aimed at Mona as the dissatisfied guard spoke.

"But how would a cat even get here? You can't reach the 'Ancient Lord' from where we are now." The dissatisfied guard said as the excited guard spoke up.

"Yeah, well unlike us, cats can go wherever they darn well please. By the way, I hear that cat got the drop on the 'Ancient Lord' and gave him a good scratchin'!" The excited guard said as the dissatisfied guard spoke up, his next words making most of the group have to resist the urge to facefault at the pun contained in what was said next.

"You gotta be 'kitten' me!" The dissatisfied guard said as the two guards moved out of Joker's earshot, at which point Seeker turned to give Mona a confused look and spoke up.

"You gotta be 'kitten' me? Is that supposed to be a pun? Also, was he kidding, Mona?" Seeker asked as Violet sighed and spoke up.

"First of all, YES that was a pun that guard made. And no, you can't make puns just because you heard one, Seeker." Violet said as Joker spoke up.

"Violet's right, sweetie. You can't repeat everything you hear willy-nilly, after all. I do believe we had this same discussion after encouraging you not to say everything Skull says." Joker said as Draconis spoke up.

"I agree with Joker. And another thing, why would you ask Mona about cat puns, Seeker? You do realize he's not in his cat-like form anymore, right?" Draconis said as Mona spoke up with a nod.

"Draconis is right! Also, don't ask me about that, Lady Seeker! After all, I'm no kitten, especially not now that I have a human form! Well, it's fine. Anyway, let's just keep going." Mona said as Seeker nodded, quickly apologizing to Mona, who smiled and forgave her as the group kept moving. After finding another portal, Joker spotted another pair of guard Shadows further up past a fence talking, gesturing for the group to hide again, which they did as Joker listened in to the two guard Shadows talking, as the first spoke up, their voice making it clear they were likely shallow.

"Hey, what was the little area before you reach the 'Father Fox Shrine' again?" The shallow guard asked as the other guard spoke up, their voice giving the impression they were quite perceptive.

"Ah, that would technically be 'Parting Square'. It'll lead you directly to the 'Father Fox Shrine'." The perceptive guard said as the shallow guard blinked and spoke up.

"Huh? Wait, that doesn't make sense. I thought 'Beckoning Cat Square' led directly to the 'Father Fox Shrine'." The shallow guard said as the perceptive guard scoffed and spoke up.

"Sure, maybe if you're lookin' at a map. But go out from 'Parting Square', and you'll end up smack-dab at the 'Father Fox Shrine'. Trust me!" The perceptive guard said as the shallow guard huffed and spoke up.

"Easy for you to say. But how can I trust you when you're not making any sense!?" The shallow guard said as the perceptive guard spoke up.

"What? You're the one not making sense!" The perceptive guard said as Joker and Draconis exchanged perplexed looks before Crow spoke up.

"I see. So if what that guard just said is true, then we just need to find this 'Parting Square' he spoke of, and we should be able to take a path from there to the 'Father Fox Shrine. Seems simple enough. Now to hope we can find the path we want." Crow said as Flare spoke up.

"Agreed. Who knew this Jail would be such a maze?" Flare said as Wolf scoffed and spoke up.

"Yes, well, I think there's some truth to the saying that women can be quite the enigma in and of themselves." Wolf said as Pendragon spoke up with a smirk.

"Hah! You're only saying that because it's your daughter's Jail, and you're at a loss for what went wrong in your relationship with her. Then again, I probably have no room to criticize you on that given how contentious my relationship with Oracle was for a time. But we weren't talking about me, we were discussing you, Wolf. More specifically, we were referring to the fact you haven't had a lot of luck with the ladies since, well, you know. But I think you'll find someone else for you eventually." Pendragon said as Noir spoke up.

"Umm, not to correct you, but wouldn't it be up to Wolf if he ever decides to try to find love again? After all, I can imagine it's not easy to live without his wife around. I imagine he only finds the strength to do so thanks to Akane-chan's presence in his life." Noir said, getting a grateful nod from Wolf as Draconis spoke up.

"Yes, well, I believe we were trying to find the 'Father Fox Shrine', were we not?" Draconis asked as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"That's right. Shall we keep going?" Joker said as the group nodded and kept moving. After finding and defeating a strong Shadow known as the 'Ancient Lord' which Joker recognized from his previous experiences with Persona fusing, as well as having recently fused one himself that he currently had on hand, as an 'Okuninushi', Mona, Queen, Seeker, and Flare all hit level 49, the level-ups giving Mona a new move in the form of the high-tier healing skill 'Diarahan'. Mona grinned and spoke up.

"Now I'm even more dependable!" Mona said as Seeker spoke up with a smile.

"You mean you weren't already totally dependable before, Mona? I'm surprised. But maybe I'm just biased after what you did for me before." Seeker said as Skull spoke up.

"That, or blind. Either one. After all, I believe I've heard it said that girls in love tend to be blind to most things around them if it's not pertinent to the one they're attracted to." Skull said as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"That is a saying, yes. But I dunno if I'd say it's accurate to call Seeker a girl in love, when she's already said before she's not sure how she feels about Mona." Joker pointed out as a blushing Seeker spoke up.

"Exactly. D-err, I mean Joker is right! But changing the subject, that's a great skill you just got, Mona!" Seeker said as an amused Mona thanked an embarrassed Seeker as Diego acquired 'Diarahan'. After taking the path that the 'Ancient Lord' was blocking, the group found themselves in what appeared to be a dead-end hallway as a jingle played and Noir spoke up.

"Uh-oh, this doesn't seem good, you guys. Looks like this is a dead end." Noir said as Panther spoke up after noticing a fox statue on the other end of the hallway.

"Perhaps, but hang on to that thought. Doesn't that fox statue over there remind you of anything?" Panther said as Violet spoke up.

"Hmm, let's see. Oh! Isn't that the same as that statue that was blocking a path forward before?" Violet asked as Fox spoke up.

"Indeed, it does appear similar to the pair that currently blocks our route. Or more specifically, it resembles half of the pair." Fox said as Draconis spoke up.

"Hmm, half of a pair, and it blocks our path. I wonder if we finally found the 'Father Fox Shrine'?" Draconis mused as Joker spoke up.

"I believe that would be a safe assumption to make, Draconis." Joker said as Wolf nodded and spoke up.

"I agree. Considering how keen Draconis' instincts usually are, I'd buy this being the 'Father Fox Shrine' So there's gotta be something to it, then. Let's check it out." Wolf said as Seeker gasped and spoke up with what sounded slightly like awe in her voice.

"Oh, have you sensed something with your sleuthing skills?" Seeker asked as Wolf spoke up with a smirk.

"Funny, but I'm no kind of sleuth, Seeker. I'm just a PubSec agent." Wolf said as Violet spoke up.

"True, but PubSec agents are kinda like sleuths in a way. And some PubSec operatives are also referred to as detectives. After all, I recall Crow once grumbling about some PubSec operative who apparently was the first to carry the 'Detective Prince' nickname. Apparently, Crow's always considered that a hurdle of sorts to overcome, even if he's accepted that it will be unlikely to happen." Violet said as Crow huffed and spoke up.

"Get it right, Violet. I said I thought that the original 'Detective Prince' was a pretentious, insecure fool. After all, what self-respecting 'Prince' has to pretend to be a prince? That seems rather counter-intuitive, doesn't it?" Crow pointed out as Pendragon spoke up.

"It really does. But at the same time, maybe they felt like they'd be frowned on if they let the truth be known?" Pendragon guessed as Crow shrugged and spoke up.

"That's possible. But let's keep moving before we worry more about that, shall we?" Crow said as the group kept moving. After reaching the end of the hall, a giant Shadow materialized into a form that Joker recognized from his past forays into fusion as a 'Neko Shogun', making Oracle blink and speak up.

"Careful, people! We got a big Shadow, incoming!" Oracle said as a fight began! As the fight started, the Neko Shogun lashed out with strong moves, making the group scatter to avoid the attack, aside from Joker, who got lightly singed by some of the passing flames, since he couldn't quite dodge them all. Luckily for him, the singing was contained to his sleeves.

As Joker rolled to put out the flames that were on him, Draconis and Crow pelted the Neko Shogun with strong moves while Violet and Seeker worked together to patch up Joker. After that, the group unleashed their strongest attacks on the Neko Shogun, destroying it in a cacophony of attacks. After the fight, Fox blinked and spoke up as he saw that the eyes of the fox statue were lit up.

"Hmm? Shining fox eyes?" Fox said as Seeker spoke up with a confused look on her face, surprising both Joker and Violet as she seemed to look into Fox's eyes as she spoke.

"Hmm, they do seem to have lit up after that fight. But would they really be considered to be 'shining'? Oh, wait, I should probably ask this before assuming anything. When you said 'shining fox eyes' before, were you referring to your eyes or the statue's eyes, Fox?" Seeker asked as Fox frowned and spoke up.

"No, not me, Seeker. I meant the statue." Fox said as the camera panned to show that the eyes of the fox statue were indeed glowing red. Mona blinked at that and spoke up.

"Huh, look at that. They do look like they're shining now. But I wonder why they chose now of all times to shine?" Mona asked as Draconis and spoke up.

"If I had to guess, I'd say it was a response to taking out that giant cat Shadow before." Draconis mused as Wolf spoke up.

"Sounds accurate to me, Draconis. But if your theory is right, then defeating that giant Shadow somehow affected this statue. In which case, maybe the other one that looks like it was affected too, by some chance?" Wolf mused as a wide-eyed Skull spoke up.

"Daaamn, Wolf, you really are a sleuth, aren'tcha? You should be on one of those cop shows." Skull said as Draconis went to correct Skull, only for Wolf to give him a subtle shake of the head as if to say 'let me handle this one', which Draconis saw and nodded before staying quiet as Wolf spoke up.

"Is that a fact, Skull? Well, news flash. I'm already a cop in real life, genius!" Wolf snapped as Draconis gave Wolf an impressed look, not expecting Wolf to rebuke Skull the way he had. Noir saw the annoyed look on Skull's face and spoke up before Skull could argue with Wolf.

"Yes, well, at least THIS statue's eyes are shining. Either way, let's double back. Maybe we should return to the statues?" Noir said as Queen nodded and spoke up.

"I agree. Let's keep going." Queen said as the group kept moving. After going back through the portal they came thorugh, Fox blinked and spoke up

"Hmm? Quiet down, everyone. I hear voices in the distance." Fox said as Mona smirked and spoke up.

"Really? Maybe we can learn something if we listen in. Let's go, Joker." Mona said as Joker nodded and headed over to listen in on the voices after signalling for the others to stay quiet, leaning back to eavesdrop as he heard what sounded like another pair of guard Shadows talking, the first having an oblivious-sounding voice.

"Hey, what's the deal with this memo? Can I just toss it?" The oblivious guard asked as the other guard spoke up, their voice making it clear that they were very unmotivated.

"Whoa, not so fast! That memo has my secret code on it!" The unmotivated guard said as the oblivious guard spoke up.

"Really? Is that right? Let's see what this code is about. Ah, here we are. This says 'Note to self. Reaching the 'Mother Fox Shrine' requires the following ritual-Couple, Harmony, Parental, Daughter, Fortune. Don't forget to say your prayers!' Really? That's supposed to be a code?" The oblivious guard said as they moved out of earshot and Mona spoke up.

"Tch! Egh! What kind of ritual is that supposed to be? And why is it the 'Mother' Fox Shrine?" Mona asked as Seeker spoke up.

"We did see a 'Father Fox' earlier, Mona. As such, could that mean there's also a 'Mother Fox'?" Seeker asked as Violet spoke up.

"Very observant, Seeker. And now that I think about it, that first statue we saw was of a couple of foxes, rather than one singular fox. So I'd believe there being a 'Mother Fox' to go with the 'Father Fox', plus that memo we overheard mentioned a 'Daughter'." Violet pointed out as Panther spoke up.

"Good point, Violet. I don't have a clue what any of it means, though. Why don't we head back to the 'Fox Couple Statue' and think this through?" Panther suggested warily as Joker nodded and the group kept moving. Fortunately for the group, there was a path they hadn't taken that whisked them straight back to the 'Fox Couple Statue', where Panther spoke up on seeing one of the statues now had shining red eyes.

"Hey, something DID happen to the statue!" Panther said as Noir nodded her agreement and spoke up.

"True. The eyes of the left-most fox are shining too, but it looks like the other one wasn't affected all that much, despite Draconis and Wolf's theory to the contrary." Noir said as Wolf spoke up.

"Eh, can't be right all the time. In any case, it looks like we're hunting for the other fox statue now, assuming we want to get this path unblocked." Wolf said as Mona spoke up.

"Hm, I see. So you think we'll be able to use the path if we light up both statues' eyes?" Mona said as Draconis spoke up.

"It seems like as good a theory as any to work with for the time being, so let's go with it." Draconis said as Seeker spoke up with a smile.

"Fair enough. If Wolf thinks it's the way to go, I trust him." Seeker said before turning to Wolf as she kept speaking.

"After all, you're the sleuth here, Wolf." Seeker said as Mona frowned and spoke up.

"I don't think that's how sleuths work, Lady Seeker." Mona said as Draconis smirked and spoke up, hearing the subtle hint of what he was sure was jealousy in Mona's voice.

"That's true, Mona. But that doesn't mean Seeker can't appreciate what Wolf brings to the team. Unless someone's jealous of it?" Draconis said with a sly grin, making Mona sputter and speak up.

"Wh-What? Me? Jealous!? As if!" Mona said as Noir spoke up with a frown.

"Still, regardless of whether or not Mona-chan could be jealous of Wolf, I can't help but wonder where that other fox statue is located. After all, I feel as though we've run around the entire complex by now." Noir said as Mona spoke up.

"So, you're saying we still have to pinpoint the location of the 'Mother Fox' statue? All right, fair enough. Let's see if we can find this other fox statue based on the information we've gathered. Now where can we find the statue we need?" Mona mused as Joker spoke up.

"Clearly, given the name, we need to find the 'Mother Fox Shrine'. After all, if the 'Father Fox' statue was in the 'Father Fox Shrine', would it not then follow that the 'Mother Fox' Statue would be in the 'Mother Fox Shrine'?" Joker said wisely. Mona nodded approvingly and spoke up.

"That's true. Good thinking, Joker! If there's a 'Father Fox Shrine', it makes sense there'd be a 'Mother Fox Shrine' to match." Mona said as Oracle spoke up.

"Don't forget, we need to do that ritual that we heard those guards talking about just now. Maybe it sounded like gibberish, but it has to be some sort of clue." Oracle said as Wolf spoke up.

"Hmm, I think I'm starting to see it all come together now. The mother and father foxes are the key to getting past the Fox Couple Statue." Wolf said as Mona spoke up.

"Maybe that means this statue is blocking the path to where Akane's Shadow is hiding? And if so, that means we probably need to head to the 'Mother Fox Shrine' then. But what about that ritual?" Mona said as Fox spoke up.

"You mean the one those guards had a memo about? I believe that was 'Couple, Harmony, Parental, Daughter, Fortune.' Then after, it went on to say 'Don't forget to say your prayers.' Maybe those are clues?" Fox suggested as Noir spoke up.

"Possibly, but what does that mean? Is it a prayer list of some kind?" Noir asked, not seeing the contemplative look on Draconis' face, nor the sudden widening of his eyes at her question of if the memo they'd overheard was a prayer list as he had a thought occur to him at that point that he spoke up to voice.

"Prayer list? Noir, I think that might be it! After all, if I recall what we heard some of those other guards saying before correctly, two of the locations that they name-dropped were 'Path of Fortune', and 'Path of Harmony'. Furthermore, did we not establish that this statue is the 'Fox COUPLE Statue'? Perhaps we have to find places with 'Parental' and 'Daughter' in their names, and pray at each of those locations? Perhaps that's how we reveal the path to the 'Mother Fox Shrine'?" Draconis suggested as Queen blinked and spoke up.

"Draconis, that makes a lot of sense. I think you might be on to something." Queen said as Mona spoke up.

"I agree. But back to the first list Fox recited. It went 'Couple, Harmony, Parental, Daughter, Fortune', did it not? What are your thoughts, Joker?" Mona said as Joker spoke up.

"Thinking about it, I think Draconis is right when he said that there were locations for each of those five words you said, and at least two of them were name-dropped by the guards before. So I think it's safe to guess they're all locations in this Jail." Joker said as Mona's eyes widened before he nodded and spoke up.

"Ohhh! Ah, that's it! There's a location that matches each of those words!" Mona said as Queen spoke up.

"And as Draconis said just now, I think we can safely say that 'Couple' would mean the 'Fox Couple Statue' while 'Harmony' refers to the 'Path of Harmony'." Queen said as Panther spoke up.

"True, but what about 'Don't forget to say your prayers'? We didn't see any locations with 'pray' in it." Panther said as Crow spoke up.

"Clearly, that's referring to what we have to do at each of the locations, Panther. Think about it." Crow said as Mona spoke up.

"Take it easy on her, Crow. We're all antsy here too. That said, I think we're almost there, Joker. Let's finish sorting this out. 'Couple, Harmony, Parental, Daughter, Fortune.' In other words, what does this tell us about how to reach the Mother Fox Shrine?" Mona said as Joker spoke up.

"Pretty sure Draconis riddled that out for us already too. Given what the second half of the memo said, or 'Don't forget to say your prayers!', I'm guessing we have to pray at the five indicated locations, in the order they were listed." Joker said as Fox nodded and spoke up with a closed eye smile.

"I see. That makes sense, Joker. So if we're going by that, we must visit these locations, in the listed order." Fox said as Seeker spoke up while giving Joker and Draconis a beaming smile.

"And when we visit each location, we pray at each one! Nice work, Draconis and Joker!" Seeker said as Crow spoke up.

"Seems like it's par for the course at this point with those two. After all, they seem to riddle stuff like this out a lot in the Metaverse." Crow said sagely as Queen spoke up.

"That's rather irrelevant at this point, Crow. Anyways, now that we know the answer, let's be on our way. Remember, the order goes 'Couple, Harmony, Parental, Daughter, Fortune.' And in that EXACT order, mind you." Queen said as Oracle spoke up with a frown.

"Yeah, yeah. We get it, Queen. C'mon, c'mon, c'mon! To the 'Fox Couple Statue' we go! Let the prayer-a-thon begin!" Oracle said as Draconis smirked and spoke up.

"Why must you be such a dork, Oracle? But you're right. Let's get going." Draconis said as Oracle childishly stuck her tongue out at Draconis in response, getting amused giggles from Flare and Seeker as the group kept moving. As they started moving once Joker prayed at the 'Fox Couple Statue', Panther smiled and spoke up.

"I know we can't stick around, but this place sure is pretty." Panther said as Flare giggled and spoke up.

"Heh, you know what they say, Panther. It takes pretty to know pretty." Flare said as Panther spoke up.

"Hey, don't flirt with me like that right now, Flare! At least not around the others!" Panther said as Draconis spoke up.

"And isn't 'takes 'blank' to know 'blank' my line? At least have some originality if you're gonna use my lines, Flare." Draconis said teasingly while Wolf spoke up.

"I think that's actually a known saying that someone else said, Draconis. That said, this place is actually a pretty big tourist spot in the real world." Wolf said as Queen spoke up.

"Hmm, once this is all over, we can all come back here. And we can even bring Akane-chan." Queen said as Crow smirked and spoke up.

"That's assuming we can get her and Wolf to be able to handle being around each other long enough for that, Queen." Crow pointed out in amusement as Noir frowned and spoke up.

"Behave, Crow-kun. Queen knows that. She was just trying to encourage Panther." Noir rebuked Crow, who sighed and spoke up.

"Yes, Noir. I was just stating a fact, that's all. Sorry for coming off rude." Crow said, frowning as he clearly heard both Skull and Mona making what sounded like whip sounds with their mouths, making him glare at them as he kept speaking.

"And you two can shut up! I am NOT whipped! You must have me confused with Draconis! After all, it's only too obvious that Oracle has him wrapped around her pinky finger! Come to think of it, I think the same might be true for Joker and Violet." Crow said teasingly as both Joker and Draconis nearly facefaulted, only for Violet and Oracle to catch their respective boyfriends and keep them on their feet.

Rather than yell at Crow, both Joker and Draconis flipped him off as the group kept moving, making Skull grin...

(Meanwhile, at the entrance of the Kyoto Jail, with Yu, Yosuke, Chie, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise, Teddie, and Naoto)

As the Investigation Team landed in the Kyoto Jail, they looked around at their surroundings, and many eyes widened at the sheer amount of Japanese energy the surroundings gave off. After a moment, Yukiko spoke up in a mix of awe and shock.

"Wow, this place is so pretty, yet so ominous. How is that possible?" Yukiko asked as Rise spoke up with a pensive look on her face.

"If I'm correct, this is based off of the Inari Taisha area, which Inoue-san took me to once for a show. The actual Inari Taisha is very scenic and beautiful. Unlike this place, it's also usually very rustic and lively. By comparison, this place feels like a ghost town." Rise said as Yukiko and Chie both shuddered at the mention of ghosts as Teddie spoke up.

"Ooh, are Chie-chan and Yuki-chan scared of ghosts? Maybe Yosuke can protect one or even both of them and make them notice him?" Teddie said as Yosuke spoke up with a frown as he glared at Teddie.

"Shut up! Stop playing matchmaker and look at your surroundings, Teddie! Also, the last time I checked, Chie has a boyfriend. I think Yukiko might be single, but I dunno, I think I see her more as a sister than any sort of romantic interest. Not to mention, I already have my heart set on a different girl entirely. No offense to you Yukiko, but I just don't get that vibe from you. You're cute and all, but I just can't bring myself to like you romantically." Yosuke said as Rise giggled at Yosuke's last remark and spoke up with a sly grin on her face.

"Ohh, is that right? Could there be more truth to the theory that you might be smitten with a certain blue-haired anti-Shadow weapon we know? I wouldn't have guessed you were into robot girls, but if she makes you happy? More power to you, Yosuke." Rise said with an amused smirk as Yukiko smiled and spoke up.

"I'm not surprised if he does like Labrys, to be honest. I always did get that sort of shy yet adorable energy from her and Yosuke." Yukiko said before turning to face Yosuke as she kept speaking.

"Oh, and to what you said before? That's quite all right, Yosuke-kun. I see you as a brother too, truth be told. So I'm not offended that you don't have any romantic interest in me. Truth be told, there's only one guy on this team I might have any sort of romantic interest in, but I'm not making a move on him since he's already spoken for." Yukiko said as everyone else's eyes, aside from Naoto and Rise's, widened slightly in confusion before several eyes slowly turned to face a perplexed and shocked Yu, who spoke up.

"Wait, are you guys saying you think I'm the one Yukiko has a crush on? While I'm flattered, isn't that an absurdly pedantic and overused trope that the main character has all his female companions wanting to date him? I swear, I've seen it in so much of the many different anime series that I've watched, not to mention a lot of the manga I've borrowed from Yosuke has roughly that sort of plotline.

Besides, even if I did reciprocate Yukiko's feelings, which I don't, I'm already very happily married to Rise. And I'm not the type of man to break one girl's heart just to take up with another. Sorry, but I just don't think we'd work out, Yukiko. Maybe if Rise and I agree down the line and you're still interested, we could discuss the possibility of working you into our relationship, but I'm not sure any of us are into three-way relationships." Yu said wisely as Rise giggled and spoke up.

"While I'm an open-minded woman who has considered being in a threesome at least once, I'd have to think about it more before I could give an honest answer to you being in a three-way relationship with us or not, Yukiko. I will say that you're pretty, though. So I'm not against it, necessarily. I'd just have to think about it." Rise said as Naoto spoke up with a huff.

"Somehow, that doesn't surprise me that Rise's the closet bisexual in our social group. Then again, I could see there being a sizable number of girls who probably had girl-crushes on Risette out there." Naoto said with a smirk as Kanji spoke up.

"Heh, I feel like you could've been one of those women, babe. I could see you having a secret girl-crush on Rise while you were pretending to be a guy. Not that you'd hear me complaining if you did, since I just want you to be happy. After all, that's my job as your boyfriend, y'know? Making you happy and content." Kanji said as Naoto blushed but thanked Kanji as Chie frowned and spoke up.

"As interesting as the idea of a potential three-way with Yu, Yukiko, and Rise could be, I think we were checking out this Jail we landed in. And I can see a very Japanese, yet also very kung-fu aesthetic being used here." Chie said as Yu nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed. But I doubt it's just a scenic location. Rise, can you and Teddie try and scan the area to see if there are any Shadow readings and/or potential threats?" Yu said as Rise nodded, using Himiko to run a scan of the area while Teddie sniffed around. While Rise was scanning, Teddie spoke up.

"Careful, everyone! I smell some Shadows approaching from that way!" Teddie said, pointing to the west, where Yu barely saw the outline of figures moving at the same time that Rise gasped and spoke up.

"Oh, my! I sense Shadows all over this area! Oddly enough, I also sensed a large concentration of Persona readings from further in the Jail." Rise said as Yu spoke up.

"Persona readings? Could that be the 'Phantom Thieves' Konoe-san and EMMA mentioned?" Yu asked as Rise spoke up.

"It would make sense for that to be the case, honestly. But we won't know until we catch up to them, I think." Rise said as Yu nodded and spoke up.

"Right. For now, let's deal with those Shadows Teddie sensed! Once they're done, we can get back to finding the Phantom Thieves! They aren't getting away with what they're doing!" Yu said as Kanji smirked and spoke up.

"Right? How dare those criminals try and abuse their powers to terrorize the city! Much less attempt to lure Nanako into their web of crime and terror!" Kanji said as Naoto sweatdropped and spoke up.

"I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have dragged Nanako-chan into any of that, Kanji. Besides, would Dojima-san have given his blessing to let Suzui-san watch Nanako if these guys were truly criminals? Also, I recall that Yu-senpai personally gave Nanako his permission to remain with them for a while prior to this." Naoto said as Yu spoke up with a huff.

"That was before I found out that the Phantom Thieves are terrorists, Naoto." Yu said before a gaggle of bi-pedal cats and white-haired females with combs in their hair appeared. Rise frowned as she ran a scan and spoke up, noticing the blob-like enemies sprinkled into the swarm of enemies.

"Oh! The cats are weak to Wind, and the silver-haired women are weak to Fire! The blobs have no weaknesses, but we can squish them easily enough." Rise said as Yu upon taking a closer look at the forms the Shadows had taken, caused his eyes to widen in shock and spoke up.

"Wait a minute, those Shadows are in the form of Neko Shogun and Kikuri-Hime. Why are the Shadows in the form of the Personas I once used?" Yu asked as Teddie spoke up.

"Beats me, Sensei. One thing is for certain, this place is completely different from how the TV World is back home." Teddie said as Yu let out a sigh and spoke up.

"Alright. I guess it doesn't matter. Although this is going to be awkward for me at least since these are once the Personas I used all those years ago. But that's not going to stop me from saving Nanako. Listen up, everyone! Yosuke, I want you to take Yukiko and Naoto and dispatch the Neko Shogun's and Kikuri-Hime's. The rest of us will fight the blobs." Yu said as Yosuke nodded and spoke up.

"Got it, partner! Yukiko! Naoto! Let's go!" Yosuke said as Yukiko and Naoto nodded and charged into battle with the cats and females while Yu led himself, Kanji, Teddie, and Chie into battle with Rise navigating for both groups.

"Everyone, call your Personas!" Yu said as the others nodded and lined up as they spoke up as one, with Yu starting off.

"PERSONA! COME! IZANAGI-NO-OKAMI!" Yu said as Yosuke spoke up.

"GO GET 'EM, JIRAIYA!" Yosuke said as Chie spoke up.

"PROTECT ME, TOMOE!" Chie said as Yukiko spoke up.

"COME, KONOHANA SAKUYA!" Yukiko said as Kanji spoke up.

"LET 'EM HAVE IT, TAKE-MIKAZUCHI!" Kanji said as Rise spoke up.

"LET'S GO, HIMIKO!" Rise said as Teddie spoke up.

"COME OUT, KINTOKI-DOUJI!" Teddie said as Naoto spoke up.

"COME FORTH, SUKUNA HIKONA!" Naoto said as the battle started! While Yu made short work of the blobs with a singular use of 'Myriad Truths', Yosuke, Yukiko, and Naoto used their Wind and/or Fire moves to down the enemies as Yosuke turned to Yu as the rest of the group ran up.

"We got them all knocked down." Yosuke said as Yukiko spoke up.

"Our enemy is down! We must strike!" Yukiko said as Yu spoke up.

"Here we go! All-Out Attack, GO!" Yu said as the group ran in and charged at the Shadows to finish them off...

(Back with Joker, Mona, Skull, Panther, Fox, Queen, Oracle, Noir, Crow, Violet, Draconis, Seeker, Pendragon, Flare, and Wolf)

While the group walked around, they blinked as they heard the distinct sound of an explosion in the background, making them pause briefly as Wolf spoke up.

"What was that? It sounded like an explosion." Wolf said as Pendragon spoke up.

"Hmm, I wonder. Could someone have been fighting something in a different part of the Jail?" Pendragon asked as Violet spoke up.

"Perhaps. But we don't have time to go and find out. If that was someone else fighting something, we'll know soon enough. Let's keep moving for now." Violet said as most of the group kept moving, with the exceptions of Crow and Draconis, who lingered behind briefly as Draconis spoke up.

"Correct me if I'm wrong Crow, but could that have been the second trap that was laid for us?" Draconis asked as Crow frowned and spoke up.

"You could be right, Draconis. However, it's probably for the best that we not jump to conclusions for now. After all, as Violet-san pointed out, we have a job to do right now. Shall we keep going?" Crow asked as Draconis nodded and the two raced to catch up to the others.

As the group kept moving, Joker found and prayed at the 'Path of Harmony', 'Parental Shrine', 'Daughter Fox Shrine', and 'Path of Fortune', in that order. To Joker's shock, once he prayed at the statue on the 'Path of Fortune' a jingle played and a new portal appeared, making Joker speak up.

"Seems like this is the path we need, then. Let's check it out." Joker said as the group nodded and kept moving. After going through the portal, the group found themselves in a similar sort of dead-end hallway to what they'd found at the 'Father Fox Shrine'. After walking to the end of the hall, Oracle spoke up.

"Ooh! Inari statue, ahoy!" Oracle said as Seeker tilted her head to the side and spoke up.

"Umm, but that doesn't look like Fox at all?" Seeker said as Fox spoke up.

"Nor am I an 'Inari', Seeker. That's just an in-joke Oracle and I have, even if I wasn't a fan of it at first. But I eventually grew to appreciate that it was her way of showing she likes me. That, and I gave up on correcting her after the fifth time Draconis corrected me. Or was it the sixth? Either way, I gave up fairly quickly. Also, just so you know, Inari are not literally foxes. That's just a form they're said to take when on earth." Fox said as Crow spoke up.

"Somehow, I'm not surprised Oracle would think of you as an alien, Fox. You're eccentric enough for it, at least." Crow said, making both Draconis and Joker have to stifle laughter at this while the former spoke up.

"Be nice, Crow. While you're not wrong that Fox is eccentric, I wouldn't say he's an alien. Besides, as I recall he wasn't the one Oracle called an 'alien-level stranger' once, was he Oracle?" Draconis said as Oracle pouted but shook her head as she spoke up.

"No. That would be Doctor Maruki. I hate that you know me so well, Draconis." Oracle said as Violet giggled and spoke up.

"No you don't, Oracle. Stop lying. And besides, if you did hate that he knows you so well, then why are you always so excited to jump his bones when he comes home?" Violet pointed out teasingly as Queen spoke up.

"Oookay, this has digressed quite enough. Let's stay on topic, please! That said, so, based on what we saw earlier, the eyes should light up once we defeat a Shadow? But, where is it?" Queen said as the group jumped backwards as a helicopter Shadow appeared as if summoned by Queen's question, making Wolf speak up.

"Speak of the devil and he appears with guns blazing. Well, let's get this over with!" Wolf said as Panther spoke up with a nod.

"Right! We're on it!" Panther said as Crow spoke up.

"I hate that you beat me to the punch just now, Wolf-san. But you're not wrong to say what you said." Crow said as Pendragon spoke up.

"Heh, you know what they say, Crow. Great minds think alike." Pendragon said sagely as Crow nodded before the enemy shifted forms into what Joker recognized from his past fusings as a 'Kurama Tengu' enemy and a fight began! At first, the fight seemed tough, but once Oracle figured out the enemy was weak to Gun moves, it became a cakewalk once all the Thieves brought out their guns, or throwing knives in Draconis' case, since the enemy fell pretty fast, especially with both Joker and Noir being able to infinitely spam gunfire thanks to their unique skills letting them use Gun skills without consuming ammo.

Once the battle ended, the ensuing EXP gains lifted Skull, Draconis, Crow, and Pendragon to level 49. After the enemy was defeated, Seeker spoke up with a smile as the eyes of the statue lit up.

"Oh! The eyes are shining now." Seeker said as Noir smiled and spoke up.

"Perfect! Let's get back to the other statues. Hopefully we can proceed now." Noir said as Draconis spoke up.

"True. Is it me, or is this going to be another super-short Jail, like the Okinawa Jail was?" Draconis asked as Wolf spoke up.

"Eh, if it is? You won't hear me complaining. The quicker we wrap this up, the faster we can save my daughter." Wolf said as Draconis nodded and the group kept moving. After beating some enemies on the way back to the 'Fox Couple Statue', Panther and Violet hit level 50, the level-ups giving Panther a new skill in the form of the passive skill 'Burn Boost', making her speak up.

"Oh! I've gotten a new power!" Panther said as Flare smirked and spoke up.

"And just like Panther, that power is rather hot." Flare said as Panther blushed and spoke up.

"FLARE! That was terrible! And also, don't flirt with me like that around Seeker! I don't want Violet getting angry at us for doing inappropriate stuff around her." Panther said as Flare giggled and kissed a blushing Panther on the cheek by way of apology as Hecate acquired 'Burn Boost'. After getting back to the 'Fox Couple Statue' Queen spoke up as the group looked at the statue.

"Both statues do appear affected now, for sure. Oh?" Queen said as with a rumbling noise, the parts of the 'Fox Couple Statue' sprang apart, revealing the path forward, making a new portal appear as Skull grinned and spoke up.

"Hell yeah, we're on our way!" Skull said as Mona spoke up with a closed-eye smile.

"Yeah, let's get going!" Mona said as Draconis spoke up.

"Let's be careful, though. See that mark above the arches?" Draconis said, pointing towards a small red patch above the archway with what appeared to be the Phantom Thieves' logo on it. Crow spoke up.

"Ah, you saw that too? Nice to see I'm not the only one on alert." Crow said as Draconis spoke up.

"True. That said, if I'm right, that likely means we're getting ready to reach the place where Akane's Shadow is hiding, and I think it's gonna be the real one this time rather than just another hologram like before, so we should be ready for anything." Draconis said as Flare spoke up.

"Fair enough. You're probably right, Draconis." Flare said as the group proceeded through the revealed portal. After going through and being whisked to another part of the Jail, Seeker spoke up in surprise.

"Wolf, I think Akane's Shadow is nearby. I believe I have sleuthed her location." Seeker said as Draconis huffed and spoke up.

"That, or you just confirmed my suspicions. But either way, good job." Draconis said as Seeker giggled and thanked Draconis as Wolf spoke up.

"Kinda weird to hear it put that way by an AI, but I get the same feeling myself. Hang in there a little longer, Akane. Daddy's on his way to get you." Wolf said resolutely as the group kept moving. After reaching the end of the path, Akane's Shadow stepped forward to greet the group, scoffing as she spoke up.

"Hmph. So you made it this far. Impressive." Akane's Shadow said as Queen spoke up.

"Akane-chan!" Queen said as Akane's Shadow scoffed and spoke up.

"I've been waiting for you impostors to reach me here." Akane's Shadow said, smirking at the 'who, me?' look on Wolf's face as she spoke up.

"Yeah, even you, Dad. You chose to join up with them, so you're just as bad. I'm gonna end you all right here! After that, it's payback time for the guy who killed my mom!" Akane's Shadow said as Wolf spoke up.

"Akane, please listen! I'm done running away! I will catch the villain who killed your mother, without fail! I swear to you on Aoi's name! So please, give this up already!" Wolf said as Akane's Shadow scoffed and spoke up.

"So you say! How can I trust a word you say!? All adults do is lie and deceive. Even if there are bad people in the world, they just pretend like they don't exist. And the Phantom Thieves came along, shattering lies and leaving truth in their wake! But now, even they have been shown to be little more than petty criminals! After all, what good are they if they can't even keep their own allies from getting arrested!?" Akane's Shadow said as Queen spoke up.

"I get how you feel, but hear me out, Akane-chan. I"m sure you've noticed too, but Zenkichi-san is just as torn up over losing your mother. All he could do was fight the pain the best way he knew how! But because of how painful your experience was, you didn't want to accept his solution." Queen said as Akane's Shadow shook her head and spoke up.

"No! That's not true!" Akane's Shadow said as Queen spoke up.

"You know it's not that simple, Akane-chan! Your father isn't the one at fault! It's the man who killed your mother in the first place! I can't begin to imagine the pain and suffering you went through after losing your mom the way you did. I don't think any of us here can, except for MAYBE Oracle. But please, give your father a chance!" Queen said as Oracle spoke up.

"I mean, Queen's not wrong. Yes, my mother wasn't run down, but she was killed by a car, so it's basically the same thing. And for a long time, I also felt as if the man I viewed as a father figure didn't care, but that was because I was letting my pain isolate me from everyone around me! It was only when a certain someone I met by chance one day came into my life that I slowly realized I had to let the hurt go and try to start easing myself into going out into the world again.

More importantly, I think if you can find someone willing to reach a hand out to you that same way, you might be able to start the healing process you've been denying yourself for so long! Even if it's not necessarily someone who you expect it to be." Oracle said wisely, getting approving nods from both Pendragon and Draconis, the latter of which being the person Oracle was referring to. Akane's Shadow blinked at this and spoke up.

"What are you two talking about?" Akane's Shadow said as Queen spoke up.

"Please, Akane-chan! Once you lose somebody, it's too late to tell them anything ever again. Most of us in the Phantom Thieves have first-hand experience with this! I'd say that we all do, but I can think of like 3 or 4 people who wouldn't have really experienced losing a loved one." Queen said before looking Akane's Shadow in the eyes as she kept speaking. *3*

"Holding back will only lead to regret later down the line. And in order to avoid that regret, you need to face the truth head-on! That's something I could only learn from the people right here!" Queen said as Akane's Shadow spoke up in annoyance.

"Shut up, dammit! Shut up, shut up, shut up! The Phantom Thieves would NEVER spew such lies! They would be on MY side!" Akane's Shadow said before making the group gasp as they felt an ominous red aura flaring around Akane's Shadow, who put a hand over her face as she spoke up in what was clearly a pained sounding voice.

"The real Phantom Thieves are on the side of justice! Moreover, they would never hurt me, or any innocent person! The real Phantom Thieves would do what's right and bring the bad guys to their knees! And the real Phantom Thieves are my friends!" Akane's Shadow yelled as a wide swath of red and black pillars erupted around her, making the group gasp as Queen spoke up.

"I have no idea what's going on, but everyone be careful! Keep your guards up!" Queen said as the pillars started to slowly resolve themselves into eight familiar shapes, making Mona gasp as he recognized one of them.

"Wait, what!? That one looks like-!" Mona said as the first figure to be revealed was one that both Crow and Draconis immediately recognized, despite the hair color being a similar shade of red to Oracle's rather than the usual black, along with the darker skin tone.

"JOKER!?" Crow, Mona, and Draconis all said as one. As the cognitive Joker lookalike smirked, seven more look-alikes appeared, each one being in the likeness of Panther, Skull, Noir, Oracle, Mona, Queen, and Fox, respectively. As the eight cognitive lookalikes of the Phantom Thieves appeared, they posed in exaggeratedly heroic poses, with the cognitive Joker posing smugly with one arm up. At that point, the real Panther spoke up in confusion.

"Whoa, what's going on!?" Panther said as Crow spoke up with a scoff.

"Seems to me like Akane's Shadow is making us fight distorted clones of ourselves. Yet, I have to wonder why only you eight got them? Surely she knows there's more than eight of us, right?" Crow asked as Draconis spoke up.

"I'm sure she does. If I had to guess, she probably has other plans for the rest of us." Draconis said sagely as Wolf spoke up.

"I hate that you're probably right, Draconis." Wolf said as Akane's Shadow turned to the cognitive Phantom Thief clones and spoke up.

"Please! If you're my Phantom Thieves, like I know you are, then change their hearts!" Akane's Shadow said as the clones leapt forward to start a battle! As the battle started, the eight Thieves with clones were pushed into different parts of the open area to fight their clones as Oracle spoke up.

"Wh-Who are these guys!? Why do they look just like us!?" Oracle said as her clone chuckled and spoke up.

"Mwehehe! Isn't it obvious? We're what you couldn't be for Akane! We're you, but better!" The Oracle clone said as Mona spoke up with wide eyes.

"Could it be? Are they actually the Phantom Thieves in Akane's cognition!?" Mona asked as Wolf frowned in confusion from the sideline, where he, Draconis, Crow, Pendragon, Seeker, Violet, and Flare had been separated from the battling thieves by a wall of red and black flame that Akane's Shadow had created with the gun that was holstered on her left hip, a gun that brought both Draconis and Joker vaguely to mind of a flint-nock pistol, but with magical energy. Draconis and Joker exchanged looks as the latter spoke up.

"What is with everyone having flint nock pistols nowadays? First it was almost Violet, then it was Wolf, and now Akane's Shadow has them?" Draconis said as Joker spoke up.

"I think I recall Mona telling us about those once. I believe he said they were called Arcane Guns, and according to his sources, they use projectiles in the form of magic. I could be wrong about that, though." Joker said as Mona nodded while Wolf spoke up in disbelief.

"Her cognition's version of the-What? What does that even mean!?" Wolf said as Draconis spoke up.

"Simply put? Those are clones of Joker and the others that Akane summoned to try and eliminate us and prove that her version of the Phantom Thieves are better. But if that's the case, why sideline the seven of us? That part, I don't understand." Draconis said as Flare spoke up.

"If I had to guess? Maybe she couldn't make good enough clones of us or something?" Flare suggested as Pendragon spoke up.

"More like she knows she could never create realistic clones of us." Pendragon said as Violet spoke up.

"I have a bad feeling she has something even worse in mind for us, though." Violet said as Seeker spoke up.

"You do? Should we be worried, then?" Seeker asked as Crow scoffed and spoke up.

"Of course you should! Granted, I think you're the only one Akane's Shadow might not have a clone or countermeasure for, Seeker." Crow said as Skull spoke up.

"Draconis is right! These guys're just some phonies! But they sure won't look like us when we're done with 'em!" Skull said as Wolf spoke up.

"Hmph, then you guys had better take them out quick! Hang on, Akane! Once these fakes are dealt with, we're coming to get you!" Wolf said as Joker stared down his clone while Mona spoke up.

"Joker! Listen to me! It'll be mayhem if all eight of us are in the same place! I'm guessing that's why Akane's Shadow made us split up and take our clones on in one-on-one fights! Well, it's time to end these pale imitations! Wolf, Seeker, you two stay on the sidelines with the others! I'm sure an opening will present itself for you to jump in and help out!" Mona said as Wolf spoke up with a smirk.

"Copy that, Mona! You know the rest of us have your backs and will root for you guys from the sidelines until we can jump in and help out!" Wolf said as Seeker spoke up with a smile.

"So we have to stand by and wait for our chance? Okay, got it! Leave it to us! And don't give up! The eight of you can beat those clones! Especially you, Mona! That clone could never hope to match you, especially since it's not even an accurate clone anymore!" Seeker said as Mona blinked, realizing that Seeker was right and that it was a clone of his cat form, rather than his human form. Mona then spoke up after aiming a reassuring smile at Seeker, who giggled in spite of herself at Mona's actions.

"Don't worry, Lady Seeker! We'll make sure we take these fakes out!" Mona said before turning to the other seven Thieves in the arena.

"Don't you guys dare lose! We have to win this, for the sake of the others!" Mona said as the fight started! At that point, Akane's Shadow spoke up.

"Go, my Phantom Thieves! Rid us of those impostors!" Akane's Shadow said as Oracle turned to Joker and spoke up.

"Don't hold back! Show this phony what the real Phantom Thieves can do!" Oracle said encouragingly as Joker spoke up.

"No problem Oracle. Never thought I see the day when I be battling a cognitive clone of myself. But I have been through much worse. Alright you faker, LET'S DANCE!" Joker exclaimed as he raced to his clone. Once Joker reached his clone, the two immediately locked blades as each of them tried pressing for advantage on the other. In the end, Joker's will won out and he created an opening to blast his clone backward with a burst of wind. As he did so, his clone winced as he landed on his feet, kneeling as he spoke up.

"Not bad, but not nearly good enough. MY TURN!" The cognitive Joker said as he started pelting Joker with torrents of rapid mixed sword strikes and gunshots, making Joker wince as he had to block most of the attacks before summoning Raoul to blast his clone back with a powerful Curse attack. After the two pushed each other back, Oracle scoffed and spoke up as she batted aside an attack from her clone.

"Man, even their attacks are exact copies of ours! Talk about copyright infringement!" Oracle said as Skull frowned and spoke up after smacking his clone aside.

"Damn these effin' copycats to hell! Get your own thing!" Skull said as Mona spoke up while fighting his clone, which was clearly based off of his feline form.

"Heh, I admit this clone looks pretty good, but looks aside, he doesn't have anything on ME!" Mona said as Joker exchanged some more attacks with his clone, during which time Oracle spoke up.

"Hmph! How could a copy be so close to the original!? Don't lose your cool, Joker!" Oracle said wisely as Joker kept clashing swords with his clone. After a bit, Joker winced as he saw Fox get slammed into Panther from an almost impossibly-fast strike from his clone, making him groan as he spoke up.

"Ngh, this isn't good. He even matches my speed!? Also, sorry about hitting you just now, Panther. I assure you it was an accident." Fox said as Panther smiled and spoke up.

"It's fine, Fox. I didn't feel a thing." Panther said before groaning as she kept speaking.

"Ugh, but that said, fighting someone who does everything you do is so annoying!" Panther said as Flare spoke up from the sideline.

"I dunno if that clone does EVERYTHING you do, Panther. But definitely most things." Flare said with a sly wink, making Panther blush as she realized what Flare meant with her remark.

"Ohh, right. I meant from a combat standpoint, not a real-life standpoint." Panther said as Noir giggled and spoke up.

"Heh, leave it to Flare to get Panther hot and bothered. But in all seriousness, these may be our strongest foes yet, and they're basically us! Careful, everyone!" Noir said as Seeker spoke up with a smile.

"Careful, Joker! Don't underestimate your clone! And that was an amazing shot, Mona! Ahh, he's really something, isn't he?" Seeker said admiringly as Crow and Violet smirked as the former spoke up.

"Don't look now, but I think your daughter might be noticing Mona the same way you used to notice Joker." Crow said teasingly as Violet huffed and lightly smacked Crow on the arm while she spoke up, drawing the group's attention onto her and off of the shyly blushing Seeker, earning Violet a relieved smile from Seeker as she spoke.

"Be nice, Crow! And I support Seeker's choice if she does decide to try being with Mona." Violet said as Crow shrugged while Joker suddenly clashed blades once more with his clone, trying to press his advantage as Oracle spoke up.

"Go, Joker! Don't you dare lose the fight to that fraud!" Oracle said encouragingly as Joker smirked as he continued to parry his clone and spoke up.

"Don't worry Oracle. If I can beat BOTH of my brothers in one-on-one fights. I am quite certain I can beat this copycat of myself." Joker said as Draconis smirked and spoke up

"He's not wrong. If both myself AND Crow couldn't defeat Joker, why would he lose to some knock-off clone of himself, Oracle? Give Joker more credit than that." Draconis said smoothly. Crow, for his part, smirked and spoke up.

"I can't be mad at that when you're stating facts, Draconis." Crow said as Queen spoke up while turning a pleading gaze towards Akane's Shadow.

"Akane-chan, please! Stop this! We're on your side!" Queen said as Akane's Shadow spoke up.

"Shut up! Just, shut up! Only the Phantom Thieves are on my side!" Akane's Shadow said as Wolf spoke up.

"Exactly! That's what we're trying to tell you!" Wolf said as Akane's Shadow spoke up.

"Shut up! And you, in the trenchcoat! How could you do that!? My Phantom Thieves can't lose!" Akane's Shadow said as Oracle spoke up.

"She's out of it! We need to snap her out of it, and quickly!" Oracle said decisively as Joker nodded and proceeded to keep clashing blades with his clone while Akane's Shadow glared and spoke up.

"ENOUGH! How can the likes of YOU be doing so well against MY Phantom Thieves!? You should be at their mercy by now!" Akane's Shadow said, aiming her Arcane Gun and pointing at Joker, pulling the trigger and making Joker wince as he felt a massive drain in his energy that made him speak up.

"Gah! What the-!? I can't use my Persona!" Joker said as Akane's Shadow spoke up.

"Of course you can't! You and the others are phonies! So only the REAL Phantom Thieves should be allowed to use special powers! As such, I've removed your ability to use your powers temporarily! But here, since your friends on the sideline look so bored, let me give them some playmates!" Akane's Shadow said, clapping her hands as five more pillars of red and black energy popped up, from which clones of Violet, Seeker, Crow, Pendragon, and Flare appeared. When no clone of Draconis appeared, Akane's Shadow frowned and spoke up.

"Wait, hold on. What!? What happened to my clone of the one in the dragon mask!?" Akane's Shadow said as a familiar mocking laugh echoed, making everyone look around, while at that same time, eleven different sets of eyes widened in realization, as all the Thieves who'd been present in Maruki's Palace realized who the voice belonged to at the same time that a familiar voice spoke up, moments before a inverted version of Draconis stepped into view and spoke up.

"That's easy. He was too pathetic to call himself a clone of Draconis. On the other hand, I am not nearly so pathetic! I, Sinocard, shall be the one to destroy him and pay him back for assimilating me into him all those years ago! I might not have Guams anymore, but I can defeat him on my own!" Sinocard said as he stepped out, revealing that despite Draconis' own attire changing on his true Awakening, Sinocard's had not, making it ridiculously easy to tell the two apart as the Thieves as Sinocard continued to speak.

"Long time no see Draconis. Same for the rest of you Phantom Thieves." Sinocard as all the original Thieves spoke up with shock and horror.

"SINOCARD!?" All the original Thieves shouted leaving only Seeker, Pendragon, Flare, and Wolf confused at the sudden appearance of the newcomer as Seeker, Pendragon, Flare along with Violet and Crow proceeded to battle their respective clones while Wolf proceeded to go after his daughter's Shadow as Seeker spoke up.

"Wait who is this guy? I sense some bad tension between him and Draconis." Seeker asked as she struggled with battling her clone as Pendragon spoke up.

"Am I missing something here? You guys know this doppelganger?" Pendragon asked while battling his clone as Violet spoke up.

"Yes, we do. This is a doppelganger of Draconis that was created by the Shadow of Doctor Maruki all those years ago. We all had a tough time with him at the end of our Phantom Thief run." Violet said as she clashed swords with her clone as Joker spoke up.

"As much as I appreciate the history lesson you've given to the others beautiful. I think this begs the question, HOW IS SINOCARD STILL ALIVE?" Joker asked while struggling to combat his clone without his Persona powers as Crow spoke up while dueling his clone.

"From what I remember of that Palace, and assuming I'm recalling those events correctly, he got assimilated back into Draconis after the two had their final battle. So there's no way he could still exist." Crow said as Draconis growled as he glared at his doppelganger.

"I don't know how you are still alive after all these years. You made peace with me after I beat you and we both vowed to defeat Maruki's Shadow together. In fact, how did you even find this place?" Draconis asked as Sinocard gave a dark smirk.

"Let's just say that I was able to get a new lease on life thanks to a new more powerful being. This particular being promised me great power as well as a chance of getting my revenge on you and your friends once and for all." Sinocard answered as Flare spoke up.

"That still doesn't explain how you were able to find your original self?" Flare said while fighting her clone as Sinocard spoke up after taking notice of her and the new additions to the group.

"Well, well. I didn't expect that you would gain new members after all this time. It doesn't matter though, all of you will be destroyed either way. But I suppose to answer your question, I was able to come here thanks to another Monarch of a different Jail that my doppelganger was at a while ago." Sinocard said as he readied his weapon and spoke up with a crazed smile.

"Now then, Draconis. Shall we finish what we started all those years ago?" Sinocard said while Draconis, for his part, laughed and spoke up.

"REALLY? You think YOU can defeat ME after all this time Sinocard? Laughable! But if you're so sure, go ahead and try! I welcome the challenge! It will just be like the good old days." Draconis said in amusement as he charged forward with his bo staff extended and launched himself at his doppelganger as the others continued to fight against their clones while the battle continued. After a while, seven of the first eight Phantom Thief clones were defeated, with only the Mona clone remaining. At the same time, Wolf was holding his own against Akane's Shadow, who had opted to face him herself as opposed to sending out a Wolf clone. As Akane's Shadow pushed Wolf back, she scoffed and spoke up.

"Enough! How are you so strong!? You just got your powers! You shouldn't be this powerful already!" Akane's Shadow said as Wolf spoke up.

"Ah, but that's where you're wrong. You'd be surprised how much power someone who fights for what's right can get! Also, I refuse to be defeated while trying to get my daughter back! I've wronged you a lot recently, and I intend to make it all up to you as best I can! So get over it if you don't like losing!" Wolf said as Akane's Shadow scoffed and spoke up.

"Talk is cheap! I'll believe it when I see it, Dad!" Akane's Shadow said. While glaring at Wolf, she kept speaking.

"Hmph! Nobody believes in justice anymore! That's why I have to carry out my own!" Akane's Shadow said as a wide-eyed Wolf spoke up in a mix of horror, shock, and disbelief.

"No way! I had no idea I'd made it so bad for you, Akane. I'm so sorry. I won't run from the truth anymore, Akane! Please, just come back to me." Wolf said sincerely as Akane's Shadow scoffed and charged towards Wolf, swinging what appeared to be a metallic wand at him. As she and Wolf clashed weapons, Seeker, Violet, Crow, and Pendragon also managed to defeat their clones, and an amused Draconis had easily dispatched Sinocard once again, as the latter struggled to get up and speak up as he glared at his original self.

"Don't think this is over Draconis, you and your friends have not seen the last of me. We will meet again soon." Sinocard said with a snarl as he vanished in a burst of light.

At that point, almost all the clones were killed all while Wolf continued to fight Akane's Shadow, leaving just the Mona clone remaining, smirking evilly at the group as it shifted forms into a giant hybrid cat-helicopter Shadow. All the Thieves who'd been present for the birth of the 'Mona-copter', as Joker had later dubbed it, gasped as Joker spoke up.

"Ok, I didn't expect the cat clone of Mona to turn into the MONA-COPTER?" Joker exclaimed as Seeker frowned and spoke up.

"Uh, since when do cats turn into helicopters?" Seeker asked as Violet spoke up.

"Technically, they can also become tour buses, as Mona's previous form proved. But normally you'd be right about them not turning into helicopters. The only reason Mona can do that is because of a star-shaped rock we were given that allowed us to use our Showtimes that we used to have. That allowed Mona to change into a helicopter once to get us out of the last Palace we ever went to." Violet said as Crow spoke up with a frown.

"Yeah, but the inside of it was WAY too small!" Crow grumbled as Draconis spoke up.

"Says the guy who got crushed against the floor! At least you got to ride inside the copter! Joker had to ride outside of it on his grappling hook!" Draconis said as Mona spoke up.

"Yeeeah, sorry about that, Crow. I didn't think about spatial reasoning when I transformed." Mona said as the transformed Mona clone started charging at the group, pushing most of them backwards, except for Mona, who remained on his feet, along with Wolf, who'd managed to defeat Akane's Shadow after carefully disarming her, and Flare. Mona turned to the other two and spoke up.

"This guy is stronger than I gave him credit for! Luckily, I think I know a way we can stop him, but it's going to require your help, Wolf. And yours, Flare. Are you two up to help me out with this?" Mona asked as Flare spoke up.

"Ooh, is this heading where I think it is!?" Flare said excitedly as Wolf spoke up in confusion.

"You know what he's getting at?" Wolf asked as Flare spoke up with a nod.

"Yep. Pretty sure we're about to get one of those moves that most of us have gotten to be part of. At this point, I'm pretty sure the only ones of us not to be in one yet are you, Queen, Mona, myself, Oracle, and Pendragon." Flare said as Wolf blinked before smirking as he spoke up.

"Ah, I see. Wasn't expecting to be in one so soon, but if Mona needs us, who am I to argue? Let's do it." Wolf said wisely as Flare nodded her agreement and spoke up.

"Well said, Wolf!" Flare said before she turned to Mona and spoke up.

"We're with you, Mona! Let's get him!" Flare said as Mona grinned and spoke up.

"Perfect! I hope the others are watching, because their minds are about to be blown!" Mona said confidently as Flare and Wolf nodded before the three spoke up in unison.

"GO, TRIAD SPECIAL!" Wolf, Flare, and Mona said as their Triad Special began! Mona spoke up and smirked.

"COME FORTH, MY OTHER SELF!" Mona said as he waved his hand as if summoning out Diego, but to the shock of everyone, an indistinct green shape appeared instead. Flare smirked and spoke up while summoning out Hester.

"And that's our cue! HESTER, LAY THE GROUNDWORK FOR OUR SURPRISE!" Flare said as Hester nodded, aiming her guns at the outline of the shape, covering the outline in ice bullets, managing to sculpt them into the shape of the outline as Wolf spoke up.

"And now for my touch. SCULPT THAT ICE INTO SHAPE, VALJEAN!" Wolf said as Valjean nodded and swung his chains around, carving the ice mass, eventually shocking everyone when it settled into the form of a cat, and not just any cat, but Mona's old cat form! At that point Mona spoke up.

"AND NOW FOR OUR TOUCH! DIEGO, GIVE OUR CREATION LIFE!" Mona said as Diego appeared and swung his rapier, blasting the cat-like shape with a tornado mixed with healing energy, making the ice cat get to its feet and glare at the Mona clone while Mona, Wolf, and Flare spoke up as one.

"HA! HAVE A TASTE OF OUR BLIZZARD CAT-JUTSU!" Mona, Flare, and Wolf said as the icy approximation of Mona's old form charged at the Mona clone, pouncing on it and slashing at it furiously until the ice Mona exploded in a shower of Ice, Wind, and Almighty energy, striking the horrified Mona-clone point blank and slamming him into the ground, where he only had enough time to yell out, 'NOOOOOOO!' before exploding into black mist, ending both the Triad Special and the fight. From the ensuing EXP gains of the fight, Wolf hit level 52 and got the support skill 'Heat Riser', making him smirk as he spoke up.

"Pretty good. Behold the new and improved Valjean!" Wolf said as Pendragon spoke up.

"Not bad, Wolf. Not bad at all." Pendragon said as Wolf nodded gratefully while Valjean acquired 'Heat Riser'. After the fight, Skull spoke up.

"HA! Ya see that, Akane!? Heh! We ain't losin' to no phonies!" Skull said as Fox nodded and spoke up.

"They may have appeared like us on the surface, but in the end, they were pale imitations. They never stood a chance." Fox said as Mona spoke up with a smirk.

"Heh, not against the real thing, anyways!" Mona said as Crow spoke up.

"That's some pretty big talk, especially when it's coming from the only one of us who had to have help taking out their clone." Crow pointed out with an amused smirk, making Mona sputter and spoke up.

"SHUT UP, CROW!" Mona said as Akane's Shadow gaped in disbelief as she got to her feet and spoke up.

"Urgh, that was rough. No way! How could my Phantom Thieves lose? Unless, could it be possible? Does that mean you've been telling the truth this whole time, and you're the real ones?" Akane's Shadow said as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"Now you get it, Akane-chan. We were never your enemies. You were just tricked into believing we were by the people who set us up for that director's death." Joker said. Akane's Shadow gasped as the implications of Joker's words sank in, and she looked down in a mix of embarrassment, remorse, and shock.

"So you're the real deal? You're the actual Joker? And that means that the guy in the dragon mask who easily crushed his lookalike is the actual Draconis?" Akane's Shadow said as Oracle smirked and spoke up.

"Heh, you betcha. Can't mimic authenticity! Also, it helps that your Oracle had no real combat experience, so it was a very one-sided fight." Oracle said as Noir spoke up imploringly.

"Please trust us, Akane-chan! And your father, too!" Noir said as Panther spoke up.

"Noir's right! None of us would ever give in to injustice!" Panther said as Queen spoke up.

"And no matter what, we NEVER stray from our chosen path!" Queen said as Akane's Shadow spoke up in confusion.

"But you guys killed that director and tried to hack EMMA! I saw it on the news! Plus the one detective told me while they were confiscating most of our stuff that you were the reason Dad got arrested!" Akane's Shadow said as Wolf walked forward and spoke up.

"To be honest, Akane? I can see how you'd believe something like that. After all, what other frame of reference do you have when we've mostly kept you out of the loop about us this whole time? And you were right about me. I'm probably the worst dad out there." Wolf said as both Crow and Draconis coughed what sounded suspiciously like 'bullcrap!' under their breath, getting warning glares from Noir and Joker that quieted them as Wolf kept speaking.

"I don't blame you for saying that, either. I couldn't avenge Aoi, nor could I carry out my duties as an officer. Hell, I'm such a coward, I couldn't even talk to you face-to-face." Wolf said as Akane's Shadow gave Wolf a shocked look, now fighting back sniffles. Wolf then kept speaking, not seeing or caring about the shocked looks the others gave him.

"I was afraid, Akane. Afraid that if I didn't toe the line, I would lose you. And so, I turned my back on justice against my better judgement, and buried the thought of vengeance for Aoi. All this time, I've been fooling myself, thinking one day I'd get my chance. But I couldn't have been more wrong! So I want to set things right! I swear that I'll bring those criminals to justice for everything they've done to you two! And Akane? I need your courage to do it!" Wolf said as Akane's Shadow spoke up in surprise.

"Really, Dad? Are you really going after him?" Akane's Shadow said as Wolf nodded and spoke up.

"Yes! Consider it a promise to your mother!" Wolf said as Akane's Shadow slowly nodded and spoke up.

"I...I believe you, Dad. Then, if it's a promise, I will never, EVER, forgive you if you break it." Akane's Shadow said as Wolf smiled and spoke up.

"Don't worry. I never will, Akane." Wolf said as Akane's Shadow blinked and spoke up.

"I understand. And, Dad? I believe you. I always have. Dad, I'm so sorry!" Akane's Shadow said as she fell forward and collapsed to the ground, her hat falling off as she slumped over and lay on the ground unmoving as Wolf's eyes widened and he spoke up.

"AKANE!" Wolf said as he sprinted forward to scoop Akane's Shadow into his arms as he spoke up.

"Stay with me, Akane!" Wolf said as Akane's Shadow spoke up.

"The truth is, I've always been so scared, Dad. Scared of losing what's precious to me. After Mom passed away, you changed, Dad. And not for the better, either. You used to be so cool to me. And then suddenly, one day, you didn't even want to look me in the eye. You were never home, either, after that. Like you didn't want to see me. I hated that." Akane said as Wolf gasped and spoke up.

"Akane, I had no idea." Wolf said as Akane's Shadow smiled and spoke up while looking up into Wolf's eyes.

"But it's okay now, Dad. I can tell you want to be like the dad I used to know." Akane's Shadow said as she stared glowing while Wolf spoke up in horror.

"What is this light show? What's happening?" Wolf said as Akane's Shadow spoke up.

"I'm really sorry, Dad. I should've been honest with you sooner. And I'm glad we were able to clear the air like this. Thanks for not giving up on me." Akane's Shadow said as her eyes closed and Wolf spoke up in a mix of horror, anguish and shock.

"No, this can't be! This has to be some kind of joke! It has to be, right!?" Wolf said as Akane's Shadow vanished in a flash of light, presumably returning to her former body. Wolf's eyes widened and he threw his head back and yelled out one word.

"AKANEEEEEE!" Wolf said in clear anguish as Mona walked over and gently patted him on the shoulder reassuringly while speaking up.

"Calm down, Wolf. It's fine. This is how it always happens." Mona said as Wolf turned to Mona and spoke up.

"Huh?" Wolf asked as Panther spoke up.

"Akane-chan, or should I say Akane-chan's Shadow, went back to her former self. That's a sure sign the real Akane will go back to normal too. So cheer up, Wolf." Panther said as Violet spoke up.

"Cut him a break, Panther. He probably thought she died or something. And I can't blame him for falling apart in that instance. I know that my reaction was more or less the same as Wolf's reaction just now when my sister died in front of me." Violet said understandingly as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"She's right, Panther. And most of us also reacted the exact same way that Wolf just did when we thought we'd lost both Crow and Draconis after Shido's Palace, so we can actually at least slightly relate to how Wolf is probably feeling right now." Joker said as Wolf sputtered and spoke up with an annoyed look.

"I-wha!? YOU GUYS COULDN'T HAVE MENTIONED THAT SOONER?" Wolf grumbled as Fox spoke up with a closed-eye smile.

"That display of emotion as you cried your heart out just now? It was touching, to say the least." Fox said as Noir nodded and spoke up.

"Mmhm. It made me cry a little, too." Noir said as Crow spoke up.

"I have to grudgingly admit, you've genuinely impressed me, Wolf. As someone with admittedly limited experience with having a caring father figure, you've shown just how deeply and truly you care for your daughter. The bond between you two is not unlike the one Pendragon and Oracle have, and even the pseudo-bonds that Pendragon has with both Joker and Draconis. You have my respect." Crow said honestly, shocking Draconis, who hadn't expected that from Crow. Draconis then spoke up.

"Let's be fair, Crow. It was going to happen sooner or later. After all, as a wise person once said, 'there comes a time when a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.' And I think that applies quite well to Wolf right now." Draconis said as Joker spoke up with a nod.

"I agree. You were astounding just now, Wolf. And I mean that in a good way." Joker said as Wolf spoke up.

"Hmph. I wasn't doing it for the compliments, you know. I was doing it because it's the right thing to do." Wolf said as Skull grinned and spoke up.

"Still, gotta say- you're one helluva dad, Wolf. I'm sure any one of us would be proud to call you their dad in a pinch." Skull said as Seeker spoke up with a smile.

"Skull's right. You truly are very admirable, Wolf." Seeker said as Queen chuckled and spoke up with a closed-eye smile.

"And that's putting it mildly. Keep this up, and you might be turning more heads than you think. We all saw what Wolf did. He did everything he could to protect Akane-chan, even risking his own life." Queen said as Wolf spoke up in embarrassment with a weak chuckle.

"Would you cut it out? Heh, I'm nowhere near that competent." Wolf said as Mona spoke up with a smirk.

"Mwehehe, are you blushing? All jokes aside though, there's no need to hold back anymore, Wolf. Together, we can strike down ANY evil, all of us working as one!" Mona said as Wolf grinned and spoke up.

"Heheh, who'd have thought? I never thought a thief could teach me a thing or two." Wolf said as Pendragon smirked and spoke up.

"Yep, they're full of surprises like that. It's almost like they gradually change the hearts of their allies so they can better themselves without realizing it." Pendragon said as Wolf nodded and spoke up.

"Well said, Pendragon. But you know what? I made Akane a promise. To arrest both Konoe AND Owada, and bring this case to an end!" Wolf said as Skull pumped a fist and spoke up.

"Damn right!" Skull said as Wolf blinked and spoke up.

"Uhh, not to backtrack, but if that was Akane's Shadow we just saved, what's going on with Akane in the real world?" Wolf asked as Panther spoke up.

"Actually, we came here because we heard she was kidnapped, after getting a threatening message from her chat ID." Panther said as Queen spoke up.

"Maybe she was never taken to begin with? It might be good to check if she's safe at home with Nanako-chan, since we left her in charge of watching her while we did all this." Queen said as Mona spoke up.

"Sounds like a plan, Queen. We're done here." Mona said, and just as everyone was about to head back to the entrance, Joker spoke up.

"Wait, Mona, something's not right." Joker said as Wolf spoke up with a look of confusion on his face.

"Huh. What do you mean something's not right? We saved Akane, so we should be all set." Wolf said but Joker spoke up quietly while putting his finger to his lips as the leader let out a 'Shhhhh' sound in order to make the others quiet down, which they did as they saw the serious expression on their leader's face.

"Everyone. Be quiet and don't talk. I need to check something." Joker said as the rest of the group nodded before Joker nodded approvingly while he activated his Third Eye ability. After a few seconds of concentrating and surveying the area, he then took a look in the direction where he and his friends came from and through the Third Eye he could barely make out the outlines of what he assumed to be 8 people who were hiding behind the corner, although, to his confusion, one of them appear to not be human shape but more or less look like an animal. It was then that Joker spoke up while gritting his teeth.

"Shoot! We're not out of the woods yet." Joker said quietly as Violet spoke up with a worried look.

"Joker, what's going on? Are we still in danger?" Violet said as Draconis gave a stern look and spoke as he too had caught on to what was about to happen.

"Wow. I'm surprised you were able to call it out before Crow and I." Draconis said as Crow spoke up.

"Based on your reaction, I assumed that what you sense is the 'second trap' Konoe has planned for us." Crow said as Joker nodded and he spoke up.

"Yup. Everyone, be on guard and get ready. I have a feeling that we're about to enter one of our toughest fights yet." Joker said quietly as he turned towards the direction where he and the others came from and walked over so that he was in front of the group as he spoke out again in a loud voice.

"Okay. I know you guys are out there. I can sense that you guys were hiding and trying to surprise us. Even though I have no idea who you guys are exactly seeing as we never met before, my friends and I may have a clear idea of who Konoe sent to subdue us. You might as well show yourselves now so we can either hopefully talk this out, or worst case, fight this out." Joker said as he and his friends waited for a response and it wasn't long before an unfamiliar male voice called out to them.

"Well, so much for the element of surprise. Alright then, we might as well make our presence known." The unfamiliar male said and not long after, eight unfamiliar figures appeared from around the corner and walked into the area the Thieves were in, looking around and frowning as they saw the Phantom Thieves.

Oddly enough, unlike the Phantom Thieves, these eight were wearing simple high-school uniforms, or at least seven of them were. The eighth wore only a red, white, and blue bear suit. As Draconis gasped in recognition, recognizing most of the new arrivals from Nanako's descriptions of her friends, the silver-haired male standing in front with a girl standing to either side of him spoke up.

"So you guys are the Phantom Thieves, huh? I must admit, nice getup you guys are going for there. But sorry to say, we can't allow you to leave." The silver-haired male said as Joker spoke up while looking at the person who was in front of the opposing group.

"From the looks of things you guys seem to not be just ordinary people, so let me ask you three things. First I assume you're the leader of this group? Second, are you the 'Big Bro' that Nanako-chan mentioned? Finally, and most importantly, are you guys 'the same as us' despite all of you guys wearing school uniforms?" Joker asked as the silver-haired male looked toward his allies they looked at each other with shock as the silver-haired male spoke up.

"Ok, this pretty much confirms our theories. Judging from the looks of it you must be the leader of this group. To answer your questions, I am the leader of the Investigation Team that you see before you, and I'm considered to be the 'Big Bro' of my cousin Nanako. Also, I'm impressed that you have a good eye if you were able to figure out that my friends and I are Persona users." The silver-haired male said as aside from Joker, Draconis, and Crow, the rest of the Thieves' eyes widened upon hearing this revelation. After a brief bit of awkward silence, a wide-eyed Skull spoke up to break the silence.

"WAIT, HOLD UP! FOR REAL!? THESE GUYS ARE PERSONA USERS!?" Skull said as Mona spoke up.

"I did not expect this at all. To think there were other people like us this entire time." Mona said as Violet spoke up.

"This might explain that explosion we heard earlier during our infiltration." Violet stated as Oracle spoke up.

"But how is that possible? I wasn't able to sense them with Al Azif." Oracle said as Draconis spoke up.

"If I have to take a guess. Your abilities might've been blocked, if I assume that one of you guys is a navigator?" Draconis said as the brown-headed female that was standing to the right of the silver-headed man spoke up

"Smart guy. I thought I had a feeling when I sensed a similar power to my own. Oh and to point things out, I'm considered to be the 'Big Sis' to Nanako-chan." The brown-headed female said as she looked at Oracle as Crow spoke up.

"I assume then that you were sent here by Konoe because he told you that we had kidnapped Nanako-san?" Crow asked as the silver-haired male nodded and spoke up.

"Correct. From what we were told, you guys had Nanako as your hostage in the real world! That being said, give us one good reason not to annihilate the whole lot of you right now!" The silver-haired male said as Wolf spoke up.

"Listen, I don't know who you guys are, but if you think we're the enemy, you're being deceived!" Wolf said as Panther gasped and spoke up, recognizing the brown-haired female on the right of the silver-haired male.

"Hold on a minute. That girl with the brown pigtails, isn't that Rise Kujikawa?" Panther said as Flare after taking note of the woman in question spoke up.

"Rise Kujikawa? You mean the idol Rise Kujikawa, as in Risette?" Flare said as Skull spoke up.

"Wait, hold up. FOR REAL!? No way! You mean to tell me that not only we are in the presence of Risette, but also that she, of all people, is a Persona user!?" Skull asked as a scoff from the back drew the group's attention to a sandy brown-haired man with a smirk on his face as he spoke up.

"No, it's totally some well-paid stand-in. Yes, it's Risette! Or at least, I'd hope it's the real Risette! Would be pretty sad if our leader got fooled by a phony version of his wife! It's bad enough you guys got your hooks into poor Nanako! We're not gonna let you hurt anyone else!" The sandy brown-haired male said as the guy in the bear suit spoke up.

"Yeah! What Yosuke said! We're gonna destroy you and save Nana-chan from your clutches, you monsters!" The guy in the bear suit said as Mona looked at him with curiosity and spoke up.

"Ok, what are you supposed to be? Are you an actual bear or are you some human in a costume?" Mona asked as what appeared to be a dark-haired male in the back spoke up.

"Let's just say that he was a former Shadow who managed to get himself a human body and now lives amongst us. Also, are you sure you have room to call them monsters, Teddie? After all, you're the one who's practically a Shadow in their own right." The dark-haired male pointed out dryly, making the now-named Teddie pout as the black-haired female in the red uniform spoke up

"Cheer up, Teddie. You know we all like you no matter what you look like, right? Naoto-kun was just-" The black-haired female said as Crow gasped and spoke up at that point, unintentionally cutting the black-haired female off mid-sentence as he spoke up.

"Wait, hold on. Did you just say NAOTO!? Are you trying to tell me that this dark-haired runt is Naoto Shirogane, the original Detective Prince? Pitiful." Crow said as the now-named Naoto frowned and spoke up.

"Excuse me!? Did you just call me a runt? Those are some rather bold words, coming from a man who hides most of his face under a helmet." Naoto said bluntly as the sandy-brown haired man, or 'Yosuke' as Teddie called him, spoke up.

"To be fair, you can't yell at him for hiding his face, when you were hiding something a lot worse, Naoto." Yosuke chided Naoto, who huffed but nodded, crossing her arms over her surprisingly generous chest, which gave away the fact that Naoto was in fact a woman, as the silver-haired male spoke up.

"Give Naoto a break, Yosuke. She had good reasons to do what she did. Not that she has to justify herself around criminals like the Phantom Thieves." The silver-haired male said as the girl standing with him smiled and spoke up.

"Yu's right. We all accept Naoto for who she is. Yukiko, please continue what you were trying to say before that rude man interrupted you." The brown-haired female said as the now-named Yu smiled and spoke up.

"Good point, Rise. Yukiko, please continue." Yu said, getting a smile from the now-named Rise as the now-named Yukiko spoke up.

"Thank you. As I was saying, Naoto-kun was just trying to make a point, that's all. Though she's not quite correct to say Teddie's the same as these criminals, either. Sure, he's made a few mistakes, but haven't we all?" Yukiko said as Yosuke spoke up.

"I dunno. Teddie's done some pretty messed-up stuff too." Yosuke said as the short-haired girl spoke up.

"Yeah! Like hit on every girl he sees, no matter how old they might be! Or the time he tried to glomp Yu-kun! I swear, I thought Yu was gonna be scarred for life after that!" The short-haired female said as Teddie spoke up with a pout.

"HEY! I already said that I was getting him to teach me so I could surprise Nana-chan when she got home from the hospital. Give me a break, Chie-chan!" Teddie chided the short-haired girl, now revealed to be named Chie. At that point, a dark-haired male in the back spoke up.

"True, but I've said it before, haven't I? There comes a time when a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do." The dark-haired male said as Draconis gasped and spoke up.

"NO FREAKING WAY! I literally JUST said that to Wolf not that long ago." Draconis said in shock as Naoto blinked before smirking at the dark-haired male as she spoke up.

"Well, well. Would you look at that? Looks like Kanji isn't the only one who says stuff like that." Naoto said as the now-named Kanji blushed and spoke up. *4*

"Sh-Shuddup! I could've told you I'm not the only one who talks like I do, Naoto. Give me a break, babe." Kanji said as both Crow and Joker gaped and looked in shock from a gaping Skull to Kanji and back to Skull as Joker spoke up.

"Looks like Kanji also speaks like Skull does. Maybe Nanako was right to compare Skull to him and Yosuke." Joker said as Chie spoke up.

"Hmph, so what? That doesn't change the fact that you lot are criminals who need to be taken down!" Chie said as Draconis spoke up.

"And what, you want to take us down yourselves!? If you want a fight so badly, then bring it on! But we're only doing this under two conditions since the last thing we want is all of us to go at it with each other which could end up being disastrous." Draconis said as Yu spoke up.

"And what might those conditions be mister...?" Yu asked as Draconis spoke up.

"It's Draconis and before you ask that's not my real name, we just use code names for the sake of our missions. That being said, the first condition is that you leave the following out of this so they can get their strength back, this being Joker, Skull, Mona, Panther, Queen, Fox, and Noir. This will leave the 8 of us being myself, Oracle, Violet, Seeker, Crow, Pendragon, Flare, and Wolf to face off against your group of 8." Draconis said as he pointed to each of the Thieves while Naoto gave a smile and spoke up.

"Interesting, so you're willing to fight us on even grounds if we let your friends rest." Naoto stated as Draconis nodded and spoke up.

"Correct. They have just been through a tough battle just a few minutes ago while some of us have not been tired out. As for the second condition, we do this as a series of one-on-one bouts. This is to make it interesting and really let our group show you guys what we can do. Whichever group runs out of Persona users is the loser. If we win, you guys will listen to our story, and if you guys win, we will surrender ourselves and go with you." Draconis said as Joker spoke up.

"If I may add to this. Regardless if you guys win or lose, we will be willing to show you all that Nanako is ok. She spoke highly of you guys and the last thing we want is to keep you guys separated from her." Joker said as Yu blinked after taking in that bit of information with shock, eventually managing to find his voice before he spoke up.

"Give me a second to discuss this with my team." Yu said as he talked it over with the rest of the Investigation Team in a huddle. After a minute Yu then walks toward both Draconis and Joker and speaks up.

"You know, for a bunch of Thieves, you guys are honorable. So after discussing it with the rest of my group, we will accept these conditions, especially if you are willing to show us that Nanako is safe once we're done. With that, you got yourself a deal." Yu said as he shook both Draconis and Joker's hands, and as Joker walked back to the Thieves who were getting their strength back from the last battle, Draconis turned to Wolf, Pendragon, Flare, Oracle, Seeker, Violet, and Crow before he kept speaking.

"Are you guys ready to help put these Investigation Team guys in their place? I know they're Nanako's friends, but they challenged us! And we don't back down from a challenge! Plus I sense this might be the only way to make them see the truth!" Draconis said as the seven named Thieves nodded before Oracle spoke up.

"By the way, thanks for including me as part of this lineup. I had a feeling that the last fight was not that difficult in my case since I barely used up any energy against my clone. So this might be more my level of a challenge." Oracle said as as Draconis spoke up.

"No problem. Besides, since we know that Risette, as Skull called her previously, is the navigator, then it would only make sense to counter her with our own. Besides, you would probably force yourself to join in anyway." Draconis said as Oracle spoke up with a mischievous smirk.

"You know me so well. Alright guys, let's do this." Oracle said as the fight started!

(Remaining Investigation Team Members: Yu, Yosuke, Chie, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise, Teddie, Naoto) (Remaining Phantom Thieves Members: Oracle, Crow, Violet, Draconis, Seeker, Pendragon, Flare, Wolf)

Yu and Draconis both called out a name to go in.

"Chie, get in there!" Yu said at the same time that Draconis spoke up.

"Seeker, think you can handle Chie?" Draconis asked as Seeker spoke up.

"To be honest, I'm not sure myself. But I can at least ascertain how powerful these opponents are." Seeker said as she walked out to face Chie as Violet spoke up with worry.

"Be careful sweetie. We don't know what she's capable of." Violet said and as soon as both Seeker and Chie were a distance from each other the latter scoffed and spoke up

"Really? You think so little of me that you're pitting me against a little girl? RUDE!" Chie said as she got into a kung-fu stance much to the surprise of Draconis as Seeker spoke up at the same time.

"Don't underestimate me. I am not as weak as you may think, and I certainly won't go down easily." Seeker said as she readied her yo-yos as she and Chie spoke up at the same time.

"COME! TOMOE!/PITHOS!" Seeker and Chie said as they summoned their Personas, Chie's being a samurai in yellow spandex with feudal samurai armor. As both Pithos and Tomoe traded blows back and forth, Chie charged in to try and hit Seeker, who nimbly dodged and swung her yo-yos, wrapping up Chie and knocking her to the ground, though not before Chie landed a powerful kick to Seeker's chest that sent her reeling. As Seeker reached for her chest as she gasped for breath she then with all of her remaining strength used a powerful Bless energy against Chie, causing the girl to go down in defeat, all while both Violet and Mona spoke up in shock.

"OH! SEEKER/LADY SEEKER!" Mona and Violet yelled as Seeker stayed on her feet, but had to catch her breath as Seeker returned to the bench to set up the next bout.

(Remaining Investigation Team Members: Yu, Yosuke, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise, Teddie, Naoto) (Remaining Phantom Thieves: Oracle, Crow, Violet, Draconis, Seeker, Pendragon, Flare, and Wolf) (Eliminated so far: Investigation Team-Chie)

As Violet helped Seeker to the Phantom Thieves' sideline, Yu huffed and spoke up.

"Impressive, but no matter. Get in there, Naoto!" Yu said as Naoto nodded and went out into the arena as Draconis spoke up.

"Oh? In that case, our next battler will be-" Draconis said before Crow spoke up.

"Let me do this, Draconis." Crow said, shocking all the Thieves in the fight as Draconis spoke up.

"Are you sure?" Draconis asked Crow, who nodded and spoke up.

"I am. Considering her claims to be the first coming of the 'Detective Prince', it's only fair I be the one to face her, in a clash of Detective Princes." Crow said as Naoto gasped at this and spoke up.

"OH! Does that mean you're-!?" Naoto asked as Crow spoke up, knowing what Naoto was about to say and deciding to cut her off before she could utter his full name.

"Does it matter who I am? Goro Akechi paid the ultimate price for his crimes. All that remains is Goro Amamiya, a man who's just trying to get a fresh start for himself to be able to try and atone as best he can for his many sins. But even so, I consider it a great personal insult that a woman like you is trying to lay claim to the title of the original Detective Prince. How can a woman be a prince, anyways?" Crow said as Yosuke snorted and spoke up.

"You'd be surprised how easy that could happen. Ask Yukiko here about the time she called Chie her prince." Yosuke said jokingly as Yukiko pouted and elbowed him in the stomach lightly while speaking up.

"HEY! SHUT UP! Don't bring that up around the Phantom Thieves, Yosuke!" Yukiko rebuked Yosuke in embarrassment as Naoto and Crow glared at one another as Naoto frowned at Crow and spoke up.

"If what you say is true, and you are who I think you are, then I guess it's fitting that I should fight my equal in a one-on-one. The only question that remains now, though, is how long can you be able to hold your own against me?" Naoto asked as Crow spoke up with a smirk.

"I think that question, moreso pertains to you rather than me." Crow said as both he and Naoto spoke up at the same time.

"TO ME, HEREWARD!/COME, SUKUNA HIKONA!" Crow and Naoto said as they summoned their respective Personas out to attack one another as Crow and Naoto aimed their guns at one another and kept trying to shoot one another, both largely missing their shots, all while Hereward tried to shoot Sukuna Hikona down. Eventually, the Persona changed tactics and hit an arrow that landed at Naoto's feet, launching her into the air, at which point one of Crow's energy shots hit Naoto, taking her to the ground and knocking her out of the fight, to her annoyance. Crow then smirked as he walked over and helped Naoto up while speaking up.

"Not bad, but in the end, the better Detective Prince won. Better luck next time." Crow said as Naoto huffed and went to sit on the side with Chie, where the defeated players were sent, joined shortly after by Seeker, who was ruled out of the fight from the kick Chie had given her.

(Remaining Investigation Team members: Yu, Yosuke, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise, Teddie) (Remaining Phantom Thieves Members: Oracle, Crow, Violet, Draconis, Pendragon, Flare and Wolf) (Eliminated from the Battle: Chie, Naoto, Seeker)

After Crow made no move to leave the field, Yu considered his options before turning to Teddie and speaking up.

"You feel like going in there to avenge Naoto, Teddie?" Yu asked as Teddie nodded and went into the arena as the next bout started. As the two battlers looked at one another, Teddie spoke up.

"So, you're the guy Naoto-kun's been pursuing for so long, eh? In that case, bring it!" Teddie said confidently as Crow smirked and spoke up.

"I have to say, I respect your confidence, if nothing else. Let's do this." Crow said as he and Teddie spoke up in unison.

"HEREWARD, TO ME!/LET'S GO, KINTOKI-DOUJI!" Crow and Teddie said, summoning their Personas, and as Hereward proceeded to fire curse energy arrows at Kintoki-Douji, Crow started aiming shots at Teddie. To his mixed shock and annoyance, Teddie nimbly dodged each and every shot, eventually getting in close enough to extend his claws and land slash after slash on Crow's chest, knocking him backwards to a knee, eventually glaring at Teddie as he aimed a shot at him, only for Teddie to tackle him head-on, slamming Crow to the ground and taking him out of the fight, to his annoyance. Teddie then smirked as he spoke up.

"AWW, YEAH! How do you like that, Mister Detective Prince? You just got served!" Teddie said as Crow frowned and went to join the other eliminated players on the loser's sideline.

(Remaining Investigation Team members: Yu, Yosuke, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise, Teddie) (Remaining Phantom Thieves Members: Oracle, Violet, Draconis, Pendragon, Flare, and Wolf) (Eliminated from the Battle: Chie, Naoto, Seeker, Crow)

Teddie eagerly stayed on the battlefield for the Investigation team as Draconis frowned and spoke up.

"Shit, didn't expect Teddie to be able to bounce Crow from the battle like that! Now what?" Draconis said as Violet spoke up.

"Let me handle him. If nothing else, I feel like getting a few of them back, to try and even the score from how roughly they forced poor Seeker from the fight." Violet said with a resolved look on her face as Draconis nodded and spoke up.

"I understand. Very well, get in there, Violet!" Draconis said as Violet walked out to face Teddie, who grinned and spoke up.

"Ooh, is this another babe for me to potentially score with!?" Teddie said excitedly, not seeing Yosuke and Yu both resist the urge to facefault from Teddie's question. Violet, for her part, frowned at Teddie's comment, but it would be Joker whose eye twitched at Teddie making a flagrant pass at Violet, who spoke up.

"Did you just hit on me, you creepy bear!? That's disgusting. Let's do this!" Violet said as she and Teddie spoke up in unison.

"GO, KINTOKI-DOUJI!/LET'S DANCE, ELLA!" Violet said as she and Teddie summoned their Personas, while Teddie tried inching towards Violet, who huffed and brandished her rapier, easily catching Teddie's claws and pushing him back as Ella blasted Kintouki-Douji with Bless energy while Violet frowned, walked forward and started thrusting her rapier repeatedly at Teddie before extending her leg to touch his chest, before pushing her leg outwards to kick Teddie to the ground while speaking up.

"You think you can handle me!? Sorry, but Joker already has dibs on me! OUTTA MY WAY, YOU FURRY PIECE OF GARBAGE!" Violet said dismissively as she easily defeated Teddie, removing him from the fight, prompting Yosuke and Kanji to carry him to the loser's sideline before going back to Yu.

(Remaining Investigation Team Members: Yu, Yosuke, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise) (Remaining Phantom Thieves Members: Oracle, Violet, Draconis, Pendragon, Flare, and Wolf) (Eliminated from the Battle: Chie, Naoto, Seeker, Crow, Teddie)

Yu looked his remaining allies over before turning to Kanji and speaking up.

"I know I'm asking you to fight a woman, but you think you can get us some KO's, Kanji?" Yu asked as Kanji smirked and spoke up.

"No worries, Senpai! Leave this to me!" Kanji said as he headed out to face Violet, a folding chair tucked under one arm. As he reached Violet, he spoke up.

"Nothing personal, lady. Just doin' what I gotta do. Good luck to you." Kanji said politely as Violet smiled and spoke up.

"That's very nice of you. Kanji, was it? Good luck to you too." Violet said as she and Kanji spoke up as one.

"LET'S RAGE, TAKE-MIKAZUCHI!/DANCE, ELLA!" Kanji and Violet said as they summoned their Personas. While Ella and Take-Mikazuchi remained in a stale-mate, Kanji hefted his folding chair and swung it at Violet, who failed to dodge it with how fast it came at her, with the result of the folding chair managing to connect solidly with Violet's face, easily knocking her to the ground unconscious and removing her from the fight, making Seeker and Joker both gasp as they spoke up.

"OH, NO! VIOLET, GET UP!/MAMA, GET UP!" Joker and Seeker both said, the latter covering her mouth after realizing what she'd just said, but not before Chie smirked and spoke up, having heard what Seeker said.

"How cute. You consider her your mom, then? I respect it." Chie said kindly to Seeker, who blinked and spoke up.

"Um, yes? But I'm an AI, so she's not actually my mom. I just consider her and Joker to be like parents to me, that's all." Seeker said honestly as Chie smiled and spoke up while gently patting Seeker on the head.

"Heh, I understand. That's still really adorable, though. Oh and by the way, sorry for my earlier comments as well as kicking you so hard back in our battle. You put up a much better fight than I originally thought you would." Chie said as Violet was carried to the loser's sideline by Rise, who laid her on the ground next to Seeker, who started trying to use Pithos to tend Violet's injuries as best she could while Kanji smirked and spoke up.

(Remaining Investigation Team Members: Yu, Yosuke, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise) (Remaining Phantom Thieves Members: Oracle, Draconis, Pendragon, Flare, and Wolf) (Eliminated from the Battle: Chie, Naoto, Seeker, Crow, Teddie, Violet)

"Crap, I didn't mean to hit her that hard! My bad." Kanji said as Yu spoke up.

"Don't worry about it, Kanji. I think she'll be fine after a bit." Yu reassured Kanji, who nodded as Draconis spoke up.

"That's not good. Hmm, that folding chair looks like it'll do a lot of damage. Wolf, think you can take care of it?" Draconis asked as Wolf nodded and spoke up.

"Got it. Leave it to me." Wolf said as he walked out to meet Kanji in the arena as Kanji spoke up.

"So you're my next opponent? Hopefully you'll last longer than my last opponent." Kanji said as Wolf spoke up.

"Don't underestimate me just because of my age, punk." Wolf said as Kanji's eye twitched and he spoke up.

"WHAT DID YOU CALL ME!? IF YOU WANT TO PLAY IT LIKE THAT, THEN LET'S DO THIS!" Kanji said as he and Wolf both spoke up.

"GO, TAKE-MIKAZUCHI!/BRING THE ENEMY TO JUSTICE, VALJEAN!" Kanji and Wolf said as they summoned their Personas. Needless to say, Valjean had Take-Mikazuchi wrapped up pretty quickiy as Kanji went to slam his folding chair over Wolf's head, only for Wolf to raise his zweihander and knock the folding chair out of a stunned Kanji's hands, after which he used a leg sweep to take Kanji to the ground and eliminate him from the battle, to his annoyance. Kanji grumbled as he headed to the loser's sideline.

(Remaining Investigation Team Members: Yu, Yosuke, Yukiko, Rise) (Remaining Phantom Thieves Members: Oracle, Draconis, Pendragon, Flare and Wolf) (Eliminated from the Battle: Chie, Naoto, Seeker, Crow, Teddie, Violet, Kanji)

As Wolf crossed his arms, Yu turned to Yosuke and spoke up.

"I hate to do it, but you might be our best shot at a comeback, partner. Can we count on you?" Yu asked Yosuke, who smirked and spoke up.

"Leave it to me, partner!" Yosuke said as he walked out to meet Wolf on the battlefield. Once there, he spoke up.

"Not bad, man. Not many have taken out Kanji one-on-one. But don't expect to get past me." Yosuke said as Wolf scoffed and spoke up.

"You say that, but we'll see what happens. But good luck to you." Wolf said as he and Yosuke spoke up in unison.

"COME, VALJEAN!/LET'S GO, JIRAIYA!" Wolf and Yosuke said in unison as they summoned their Personas. As Jiraiya stunned Valjean and pelted him with strong wind attacks, Yosuke took advantage of the wind knocking Wolf's zweihander out of his hands to dash forward and land a flurry of rapid strikes with his kunais, eventually taking Wolf to the ground and eliminating him from the fight, to his annoyance. Wolf then went to join the losers on their sideline while Yosuke remained on the field.

(Remaining Investigation Team Members: Yu, Yosuke, Yukiko, Rise) (Remaining Phantom Thieves Members: Oracle, Draconis, Flare, and Pendragon) (Eliminated from the Battle: Chie, Naoto, Seeker, Crow, Teddie, Violet, Kanji, Wolf)

As Draconis looked over the remaining Thieves, he eventually looked at Flare and spoke up.

"Yosuke's fast, so we'll need someone with similar speed to match him. And I think you're our fastest remaining battler, Flare. Think you can handle him?" Draconis asked Flare, who nodded as she walked out to meet Yosuke on the battlefield, at which point Yosuke chuckled and spoke up.

"Ohh, so I'm fighting a woman now? Neat. Y'know, you're kinda cute." Yosuke said to Flare, who giggled and spoke up.

"That's sweet of you to say, but I'm already spoken for by my girlfriend. Sorry." Flare said as Teddie and Kanji both burst out laughing on the loser's sidelines at the wonderful fish impression Yosuke was currently doing. Yosuke then spoke up.

"Oof, got shot down by a lesbian. That's a first. Well, no matter. Let's do this." Yosuke said as Flare nodded and the two spoke up in unison.

"COME, JIRAIYA!/COME FORTH, HESTER!" Yosuke and Flare said as they summoned their Personas. As Jiraiya and Hester did battle, being evenly matched, Flare managed to nimbly sidestep Yosuke's strikes and get in close to land a pair of rapid-fire strikes with her tonfas to knock away Yosuke's kunais before using a leg sweep to take Yosuke to the ground, removing him from the fight, to his chagrin. Yosuke nodded respectfully as he went to the sidelines with the other losers.

(Remaining Investigation Team Members: Yu, Yukiko, Rise) (Remaining Phantom Thieves Members: Oracle, Draconis, Flare, and Pendragon) (Eliminated from the Battle: Chie, Naoto, Seeker, Crow, Teddie, Violet, Kanji, Wolf, Yosuke)

Yu frowned at Yosuke being taken down before sighing as he turned to Yukiko and spoke up.

"Since I'd rather not send in Rise if I can avoid it, and I want to save myself for last, you're the only option left Yukiko. Do your best out there." Yu said to Yukiko, who nodded and walked out to face Flare, smiling at her as she spoke up.

"So, it's my turn to face you, then? Good luck. May the best woman win." Yukiko said as Flare nodded and spoke up.

"Thanks, you too." Flare said as she and Yukiko spoke up in unison.

"TO ME, HESTER!/COME, KONOHANA SAKUYA!" Flare and Yukiko said as they summoned out their Personas before facing one another. Partly due to the type disadvantage, Konohana Sakuya had Hester pushed back rather quickly while Yukiko forced Flare onto the back foot with her onslaught of fan strikes from her folding fans, eventually slashing forward with them to force Flare to jump back to avoid the attack, stumbling slightly on the landing and hitting the ground as Yukiko tapped Flare with her fan to take her out of the fight. Flare huffed, but congratulated Yukiko as she headed to the losers' sidelines.

(Remaining Investigation Team Members: Yu, Yukiko, Rise) (Remaining Phantom Thieves Members: Oracle, Draconis, and Pendragon) (Eliminated from the Battle: Chie, Naoto, Seeker, Crow, Teddie, Violet, Kanji, Wolf, Yosuke, Flare)

Draconis winced as he saw Flare get taken out of the fight, turning to Pendragon as he spoke up.

"While I think Oracle could probably hold off Yukiko, I'd rather not send her out if I can avoid it. And as I want to save myself for last since I sense Yu is doing the same, you're the only one I can turn to. Can you try to get us some momentum built up, Pendragon?" Draconis asked Pendragon, who nodded and spoke up.

"You got it. I'll try to get us the advantage." Pendragon said as he headed onto the battlefield to face Yukiko, at which point he spoke up.

"So, you're Yukiko? Not gonna lie, you're cute. But you're also young enough to be my daughter, so I'll save us both the flirting and just wish you good luck." Pendragon said as Yukiko smiled and spoke up.

"Thanks. Good luck to you too, Pendragon." Yukiko said as Pendragon nodded and spoke up in unison with Yukiko.

"SHOW US YOUR GRACE, KONOHANA SAKUYA!/SHOW YOURSELF, KOHRYU!" Yukiko and Pendragon said as they summoned their Personas. Unlike before, Kohryu wasn't so easily cowed by Konohana Sakuya, quickly forcing the pink and white feminine Persona onto the back foot as Pendragon used his shield to easily block Yukiko's fans before raising his sword and slashing towards Yukiko, hitting her with a wave of Psy energy that took Yukiko to the ground, removing her from the battle. Yukiko got up and congratulated Pendragon on the win before going to the loser's sidelines.

(Remaining Investigation Team Members: Yu and Rise) (Remaining Phantom Thieves Members: Oracle, Draconis, and Pendragon) (Eliminated from the Battle: Chie, Naoto, Seeker, Crow, Teddie, Violet, Kanji, Wolf, Yosuke, Flare, Yukiko)

As Yu watched Yukiko leave the fight, he sighed and spoke up.

"Well, looks like I'm gonna have to do this myself. Stay here and watch me, Rise." Yu said as Rise nodded before Yu walked out onto the battlefield and spoke up.

"So, you've forced me to step out and face you myself, then? Don't expect any mercy from me, Pendragon. Prepare yourself." Yu said as Pendragon nodded and spoke up.

"You know, your determination reminds me of both Joker and Draconis. That being said, let's see what you're made of." Pendragon said as he and Yu spoke up in unison.

"COME FORTH, KOHRYU!/COME! IZANAGI-NO-OKAMI!" Pendragon and Yu said as they simultaneously sent out their Personas, at which point it became painfully clear that Izanagi-No-Okami was on a vastly different level than Kohryu, managing to blast it aside with one burst as Yu slashed his katana at Pendragon, knocking his sword aside and kicking Pendragon's shield arm aside before sheathing his katana and throwing a strong right hook at Pendragon, lifting him off his feet and knocking him to the ground, removing him from the fight, to the shock of Oracle and Draconis. After Wolf and Crow helped Pendragon off the battlefield, they set him down on the losers' sidelines as Draconis frowned.

(Remaining Investigationi Team Members: Yu and Rise) (Remaining Phantom Thieves Members: Oracle and Draconis) (Eliminated from the Battle: Chie, Naoto, Seeker, Crow, Teddie, Violet, Kanji, Wolf, Yosuke, Flare, Yukiko, and Pendragon)

After Pendragon was guided to the loser's sidelines by Wolf, Yu walked back to Rise as she spoke up.

"You good to continue? If not, I can always sub in Senpai?" Rise asked Yu as he glanced at Draconis and Oracle and after much thought he spoke up.

"To be honest, I would rather save my energy for the fight against Draconis. If I have to guess, he's going to send out Oracle next. Are you sure you can you handle her?" Yu said as Rise spoke up.

"Don't worry Senpai, I got this. Don't forget that Himiko can also fight as well when she's in her combat form." Rise said as she proceeded to the battlefield as Draconis and Oracle were still talking.

"You sure you got this, Oracle? Not that I'm worried or anything, but this is Risette we're talking about?" Draconis asked as Oracle spoke up.

"You worry too much, Draconis. Fighting a clone of myself earlier is one thing, but fighting an idol who is also a navigator is a whole other level. This is the perfect challenge for me." Oracle said as she too walked towards where Rise was the two faced each other on the battlefield as Rise spoke up.

"Heh, so aside from our leaders, it's down to us, then? Fair enough. I was hoping you and I would face each other. When my friends and I were watching you fight those clones earlier, I noticed you had a combat form for your Persona. Don't think you got an easy win here, because my Persona also has a combat form as well. So let's settle this." Rise said as Oracle chuckled and spoke up.

"Is that right, Rise? Mwehehe, well then if that's the case, let's see who's the better navigator!" Oracle said as she and Rise spoke up in unison.

"LET'S GO, HIMIKO!/SHOW US THE TRUTH, ALBUS!" Rise and Oracle said as they summoned their Personas. Despite both Personas being combat-specced, it quickly became clear that Albus was the far better combat-specced Persona compared to Himiko, as Albus quickly disabled Himiko with a powerful burst of Psy energy. At that point, Rise and Oracle clashed attacks, neither one seeming to give an inch. After a bit, Rise spoke up.

"Hmph, we seem to be evenly matched in terms of hand-to-hand ability. We're gonna be here awhile, I think." Rise said as Oracle blinked before her eyes slowly widened behind her visor as an idea hit her, at which point she turned to Queen and Pendragon, who were watching on the sidelines, as she spoke up.

"I think I can end this! But I need the two of you to do it, since I just got an idea for one of those trio moves!" Oracle said as Draconis blinked and spoke up.

"You mean you had the idea for a Triad Special?" Draconis asked as Oracle nodded and spoke up.

"Yes, that! But there's a catch to it. I have to have the help of Queen and Pendragon specifically for the move to work." Oracle said as Draconis turned to Rise and spoke up.

"Aside from your husband, you're the only other remaining person left on the Investigation Team. Do you have any objections to letting Oracle pull off this new move?" Draconis asked as Rise spoke up.

"No, she can go ahead. I want to see one of these Triad Specials anyways." Rise said as Draconis then turned towards Yu and spoke up.

"As for you, Narukami-san. Do you have any objections to Oracle for basically getting help with fighting your wife? I realize full-well that Oracle doing this is technically classed as being against the rules of this bout, especially since she will have outside help." Draconis asked as Yu after a bit of thinking spoke up.

"I will allow it, but on one condition. If Rise can still fight after that attack, she automatically wins, if not then Oracle wins." Yu said as Oracle spoke up.

"I accept your proposal." Oracle said as she gestured for Queen and Pendragon to join her on the battlefield, which they did as Queen smiled and spoke up.

"I was wondering if I was gonna be part of one of these, to be honest. But I suppose they saved the best for last." Queen said as Pendragon smirked and spoke up.

"Heh, you're not wrong. Ready, Oracle?" Pendragon said as Oracle nodded and spoke up with both Queen and Pendragon.

"GO, TRIAD SPECIAL!" Oracle, Queen, and Pendragon said as their Triad Special started!

"ALBUS, SET THE STAGE!" Oracle said as Albus nodded, waving his wand to conjure up a stream of electrified Psy energy as Pendragon spoke up.

"KOHRYU, LIGHT IT UP!" Pendragon said as Kohryu breathed out a stream of Psy flame into the attack, making something start to take shape as Queen spoke up.

"ANAT, TEMPER THE SURPRISE!" Queen said as Anat drove forward and did a wheelie, coating the object, now revealed to be a double-edged sword, in Nuclear energy, making it crackle with psychokinetic lightning as Oracle hefted it and spoke up.

"AND NOW TO END IT!" Oracle said as she, Pendragon, and Queen spoke up.

"HA! JUDGMENT STRIKE!" Oracle, Pendragon, and Queen said as Oracle swung the conjured weapon towards Rise, who was too shocked to dodge or block, and got knocked onto her back with a muted 'oof!', taking her to the ground as she and removing her from the match as she spoke up in exhaustion.

"Sorry Senpai, but it's up to you." Rise said as she slowly walked to the loser's sidelines while Oracle went back towards Draconis and spoke up.

"I'll leave the leader to you. He's more your level." Oracle said as she stepped aside while Yu and Dracconis went onto the battlefield to stare each other down.

(Remaining Investigation Team members: Yu Remaining Phantom Thieves Members: Draconis and Oracle) (Eiiminated from the battle: Chie, Naoto, Seeker, Crow, Teddie, Violet, Kanji, Wolf, Yosuke, Flare, Yukiko, Pendragon, Rise)

"Hmph. So it's come to this, has it? Fair enough." Draconis said as he strode onto the battlefield personally and spoke to Yu.

"I must admit Yu, you and your friends are good. But I'm afraid this is where this battle finally ends." Draconis suggested as Yu spoke up.

"You and your friends are no pushovers either. That being said, it's only right that the leaders of both groups should face off in the last battle." Yu said but before he and Draconis proceeded with their fight Joker sputtered and spoke up from the spectators' sidelines.

"HOLD IT!" Joker said as he entered the battlefield much to Draconis's shock.

"Joker? What are you-?" Draconis said before Joker cut him off mid-sentence when he spoke up.

"Sorry Draconis, but I'm not letting you fight this guy by yourself." Joker said before he turned towards Yu and continued to speak.

"Sorry for trying to be a third wheel here, Yu. But I refuse to sit by and let my brother-in-arms deal with what I assume is a possible Wild Card." Joker said as Yu spoke up in shock.

"I see, so you're also a Wild Card as well?" Yu said as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"That's right. I had a feeling that the moment that you stated that you were the leader of your group, I immediately suspected that you were a Wild Card. That being said, although I possess the power of the Wild Card, both Draconis and I are the co-leaders of the Phantom Thieves. If you're going to fight Draconis then you're going to have to deal with me as well." Joker declared and Yu after a bit of thinking spoke up.

"Alright then, how about this then Joker? I will be more than willing to fight you and Draconis. In fact, to give you both a bit of clarity, I no longer possess my power of the Wild Card, but I can still use my ultimate Persona. The terms for this final battle are this. If I beat both of you, my team wins the whole bout. If you beat me, your team wins." Yu said as Joker and Draconis looked at him in shock as Draconis spoke up.

"You sure about this? You are dealing with two powerful Persona users?" Draconis asked as Yu spoke up.

"I don't mind. As I said, it's only natural that for this final fight, I get to go up against the leader or rather leaders of your group. I'll even allow Joker to use his power of the Wild Card. Don't worry, my Persona and I can take it." Yu said with determination as he readied himself with his sword as shortly after both Joker and Draconis readied themselves with their knives and bo staff as Joker spoke up.

"Well then Yu, let's see what you're truly made of. IT'S SHOWTIME!" Joker said as he, Draconis, and Yu spoke up in unison.

"COME, IZANAGI-NO-OKAMI!/ COME FORTH, RAOUL!/DESCEND, MALEFOR!" Yu, Joker, and Draconis said as they summoned their Personas and their fight started! As Raoul and Izanagi-No-Okami stared each other down and clashed weapons, Malefor seemingly took a defensive position and took a wait-and-see approach as Yu charged at Joker and Draconis, brandishing his katana as he did so. Draconis then intercepted the attack with his staff as Joker brandished his knife. As the three clashed weapons, Raoul blasted Izanagi-No-Okami back with a burst of Curse energy, making him wince from the impact as Yu spoke up.

"Impressive, but it won't be enough! DO IT, IZANAGI-NO-OKAMI! END THIS BY THE MYRIAD TRUTHS!" Yu said as Izanagi-No-Okami nodded and spun his double-edged sword in a circle, charging up a burst of Almighty energy as Draconis grinned and spoke up, having fully expected Yu to go for a Myriad Truths and made the necessary preparations to counter it if he did go for it.

"I was hoping you'd do that. That's why I've had Malefor biding his time and charging up energy. MALEFOR! PREPARE TO INTERCEPT THAT ATTACK!" Draconis said as Malefor nodded, leaping into the path of the energy burst that Izanagi-No-Okami loosed, firing off a charged-up burst of Almighty energy that collided with the Myriad Truths attack, cancelling it out, to Yu's shock. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Joker sprinted forward and used his knife to disarm Yu while giving him a powerful elbow to the stomach to stagger him as Draconis strode forward and spoke up.

"NOW TO END THIS! THIS IS FOR PENDRAGON!" Draconis said as he hefted his staff and took aim at Yu, precisely slamming the edge of his staff into Yu's stomach, sending him crashing to the ground, where Joker held him at knife-point and spoke up.

"Yield, Narukami! You've lost. Now concede." Joker said as Yu chuckled and spoke up, impressed by the teamwork Joker and Draconis had displayed against him, even if he was frustrated at losing to them.

"Well done, you two. I can see why you both work well together. Very well, then. I concede. You win." Yu said as he conceded and went to a knee to signify his defeat as Joker extended a hand to Yu and spoke up.

"Need a hand up?" Joker asked as Yu smiled and was helped to his feet, ending the match in a Phantom Thieves victory. From the ensuing EXP gains, Wolf hit level 53. Afterwards, the groups gathered in the center of the room as Yu spoke up.

"Unbelievable. I can't believe we lost." Yu said as Draconis spoke up.

"To be fair, you really made us work for that win, Yu. But now do you believe us?" Draconis said as Yu winced and nodded as he spoke up.

"Yeah, I believe you. If you really were the group of terrorists that Konoe-san and EMMA claimed that you are, you wouldn't have spared most of us after taking us to the ground. Sorry for doubting you." Yu said as Joker spoke up.

"It's fine. You were just worried about your cousin, which I can respect. And as I previously stated to you, Nanako is perfectly safe. She's back in the real world looking after Wolf's daughter while he helped get us out of a sticky situation. And as I promised, I will see to it that you and your friends have a chance to speak with her to verify for yourselves that she's all right. But before that, I have to ask. How did you guys get in here? You don't seem like you have the tools to reach the Metaverse on your own." Joker said as Yu spoke up.

"Konoe-san gave us this fancy smart-phone that was equipped with EMMA, which apparently can access the 'Metaverse', as you just called it. But why would Konoe-san want to frame you guys for murder? That I don't get." Yu said as Wolf spoke up.

"You mean besides the fact he's in cahoots with one of the most crooked politicians I've ever heard of? He's probably just salty that we're making him and Owada look like a pair of outdated and sorry jokes." Wolf said as Draconis smirked and spoke up.

"Basically what Wolf said. But also add in the bit with how we keep defeating his chosen Monarchs." Draconis said as Naoto spoke up with a frown.

"Wait, did you just say Monarchs? I heard about those. Supposedly, those are the individuals with the ability to rule over places called 'Jails', according to the briefing our team got from Kirijo-san and Yamagishi-san." Naoto said as Crow blinked and spoke up.

"Kirijo? As in Mitsuru Kirijo? Are you saying your group works for the Kirijo Group!?" Crow asked in shock as Naoto chuckled and spoke up.

"Not quite. More like we're allies of Mitsuru Kirijo after we had to rescue her group from a sticky situation several years ago. And before any of you ask, she's also a Persona user who runs her own covert operation for dealing with Shadows alongside other Persona users. But how do you know of the Kirijo Group?" Naoto said as Draconis spoke up.

"Good question. You see, Crow's father wanted him to try and get info on them a few years ago before we changed his heart and he gave up on wanting info on the Kirijo Group. But let me ask something. Are some of the allies of this 'Kirijo Group' a white-furred Shiba Inu, a brown-haired guy with a runner's build, and a white-haired guy with a swole physique who is apparently an ex-protein junkie?" Draconis asked as Chie gasped and spoke up.

"Wait, did you say protein junkie? Did you run across Master Akihiko?" Chie asked as Draconis blinked at Chie's words and spoke up.

"Master!? I didn't know Sanada-san had an apprentice? Amada-san failed to mention that little detail to me when we met after he came to get his dog." Draconis said as Mona spoke up with wide eyes.

"You met a dog? I wondered why I smelled an unfamiliar scent on you." Mona said as Yukiko giggled and spoke up.

"Aww, is Mona jealous of Koromaru?" Yukiko asked as Seeker spoke up.

"Why would Mona be jealous of a dog? Mona is way better than Koromaru." Seeker said as Draconis spoke up.

"Excuse you!? I respect that you feel the need to stand up for Mona since you and he seem to potentially have feelings for one another, but even so? Kindly watch your mouth, Seeker! Also, don't be so quick to utter such flagrant blasphemy in my presence. Koromaru is a very good dog. I daresay he's even among the best doggos to ever live. Mona is great, but with all apologies to him, I wouldn't say he's anywhere near being on the same tier of greatness as Koromaru." Draconis said as Rise spoke up.

"Anyways, as entertaining as this discussion is, maybe we should get back to the real world before something else happens?" Rise suggested as Draconis nodded, but before the groups could leave, a familiar voice echoed through the area the groups were in.

"Well, well. It would seem that both of our plans have failed." The voice said as the Thieves eyes recognized it as Wolf spoke up.

"That voice...KONOE!?" Wolf called out in anger as Konoe spoke out again.

"I was sure that either the Monarch of this Jail or the so-called 'Investigation Team' would have the power to stop the Phantom Thieves, but it seems this was not the case. Very well, Phantom Thieves, you win this round. But the joke's on you in the end, since even if you did stop our plans here, you'll never reach my Jail! There's a barrier up that won't let anyone past that hasn't cleared out at least six other Jails!

And unless I'm wrong, this is only your FIFTH Jail you've cleared. So you're one short of the requirement Phantom Thieves. Good luck finding a sixth Jail to clear! Sooner or later all of you will be finished one way or another, as I finally cleanse this world of all evil." Konoe's voice said, mocking the group with his parting words as the groups exchanged a wary look after Konoe's voice was gone. Draconis then spoke up.

"Well, I wasn't expecting to hear Konoe's voice calling us out. That being said, I agree with Rise. Let's get back to the real world for now and regroup before we discuss our next move. If you think of it when you get back to the real world and you want to continue our discussion, meet us at the park near Inari Taisha, and we'll lead you to a safe place to continue our discussion." Draconis said as Yu and Rise nodded their understanding before the groups returned to the real world for the time being...

(Back in the real world, while all this was going on, at the Hasegawa residence with Nanako and Akane)

As she watched Akane continue to doze peacefully on her bed, Nanako smiled and spoke up.

"Look at how peaceful you look right now, Akane-san. Try to hang in there if you can. The others are working on getting your dad free, and then hopefully he'll be on his way back here. I'm sorry we left you alone to fall into whatever trap EMMA laid for you, but I promise that the others will find a way to save you. So stay strong until then, Akane-san." Nanako said, smiling as she gently tucked a few stray hairs behind Akane's ears out of her face.

This rather impulsive, yet also slightly tender and affectionate gesture had the result of letting Nanako get a good view of Akane's, at least to Nanako, decidedly pretty face and smiling as she spoke up, glad that Akane was unconscious at that moment, since it meant she couldn't see the blush that was dusting Nanako's cheeks as she realized that she'd just thought of Akane as pretty. Nanako then blinked as she spoke, questioning for the first time if she was actually straight, as she'd thought she was for so long.

"But wow, who knew that you were so pretty, Akane? Certainly not me, that's for sure. But don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here when you open those eyes. You don't have to be alone anymore. I promise you that." Nanako said as she leaned down and shocked presumably both herself and Akane as she gently pressed a light kiss to Akane's cheek, leaning back in her chair to keep watch over Akane, a soft but shy smile on her face at her bold action. Because she looked away when she did, she missed the somewhat shy and almost unguarded smile that spread over Akane's face from Nanako's bold gesture as Nanako continued her vigil at Akane's side...

(Later that evening, at the Hasegawa residence, with Zenkichi, Nanako, and Akane)

After getting back to the real world with the others, Zenkichi drove back to his house to check on Akane, frowning when the front door opened right up as if it were unlocked. His confusion increased when he didn't see anyone in the living room. Before he could raise his voice to call out to see if anyone was in the house, he spotted an ajar door down the hall, making Zenkichi blink as he recognized the door as being the door to Akane's room.

As he went in and had a look around, Zenkichi smiled on seeing Akane asleep in her bed, and barely stifled a chuckle at the sight of Nanako having nodded off sitting up in a chair next to Akane, clearly having kept a constant vigil at her side. With an amused smile, Zenkichi gently scooped the sleeping Nanako up, carried her to the living room, made up the couch, and gently laid Nanako down and put a pillow under her head while tucking her in and walking down the hall to sit in the chair that he'd opened up after tucking in Nanako. As he sat down, he heard Akane dozing on the bed. Zenkichi smiled as he looked down at Akane and spoke up.

"Akane, I'm glad you're safe. And I'm sorry for not being a better dad to you over the past few years. Heh, but look at you. You've become so much like your mother. You grew up, maybe even a little too fast. Last I recall, you were just a precocious little girl who wouldn't leave her parents' side.

Now, you're practically a full-grown woman who's had to live through some really messed-up stuff. And me not being around very often probably didn't do your mental state any favors. But in my defense, I was so desperate to protect you that I became blind to just about everything else. I failed you as a father, Akane. I not only own up to that, but I apologize wholeheartedly for it. But I swear to you, here and now. I'm done running away.

Mark my words, both Owada and Konoe are going to pay for using you, and possibly even EMMA, since I have a feeling she had a hand in it as well. And I'm going to make sure that Owada goes down with Konoe. He's going to answer up for taking Aoi from us. I won't lose sight of justice ever again." Zenkichi vowed, finding himself in the rare position of blinking back tears as he heard a low groaning and saw Akane's chocolate-brown eyes open up slowly as she looked up at Zenkichi, surprised he was there with her. Once she got over her shock, Akane spoke up.

"Wait, what the-? Dad?" Akane said as Zenkichi smiled on seeing her awake and spoke up.

"Akane!? Are you all right!? You're not hurt anywhere or anything, are you!? I, uh, was making sure you were okay, and trying to do better by you as a father." Zenkichi said as Akane slowly smiled and spoke up.

"Is that right? Glad to hear you're finally coming to your senses, Dad. And to answer your question? I'm okay." Akane said as Zenkichi chuckled in relief and spoke up.

"O-Oh, good. Glad to hear it." Zenkichi said as Akane frowned and spoke up in confusion.

"What I don't get is why I'm in my bed. When did I fall asleep?" Akane asked as Zenkichi spoke up in understanding.

"Ah, that's right. If I'm right about what happened to you, you wouldn't remember any of it." Zenkichi said as Akane gave Zenkichi a confused look and spoke up.

"Dad, what are you talking about? Remember what?" Akane asked as Zenkichi winced and spoke up.

"Err, good question. It's a bit of a long story, though. How should I explain this so you'll believe it?" Zenkichi said as Akane spoke up.

"Why not just start at the beginning? And as long as you're honest with me, I'm likely to believe most anything you say within reason." Akane said honestly as Zenkichi nodded and spoke up.

"Yeah? All right, we'll take it nice and slow then. Mind you, there's parts that I won't be able to tell you just now, since I have to run a few things by my co-workers first. That being said, provided they don't object to it, you'll hear those parts later on. But even without those parts, there's still a lot to talk about, Akane. So will you hear me out?" Zenkichi asked as Akane nodded and spoke up.

"Sure. But, um? Was that you who kissed me on the cheek earlier? I might've been dreaming, but I swear I felt someone's lips on my cheek for the briefest of moments." Akane said as Zenkichi spoke up.

"No, that wasn't me. I only just got home about ten minutes ago. I think I do know who it was, considering the fact that I only left one person here to watch over you, and that's Nanako." Zenkichi said as Akane's eyes widened as the implications of Zenkichi's words sank in for her, making Akane wonder if she might be into girls, causing her to blink at her own thought before Akane looked over at her father and spoke up.

"Are you serious, Dad!? Are you really trying to tell me I had a girl kiss me on the cheek? And not only that, but that I enjoyed it!?" Akane said in surprise as Zenkichi chuckled and spoke up.

"There's a first time for everything, Akane. But let's stay focused for now. I have a long story to tell." Zenkichi said as Akane nodded and got comfortable while Zenkichi related the truth of why he'd been so seemingly dismissive of Akane's fears and concerns, making it a point to own up to his failures as a father and apologizing for them, all the while smirking at the subtle hint of red on Akane's face from the idea of Nanako kissing her, even on the cheek...

(At the same time, at the hideaway, with Kusa, Goro, Yosuke, Yusuke, Yu, Rise, Ryuji, Morgana, Sojiro, Ren, Sumire, Futaba, Haru, Sophia, Ann, Makoto, Yukiko, Chie, Teddie, Naoto, Kanji and Shiho)

After everyone reconvened at the hideaway, following Kusa guiding the Investigation Team to its location and getting them inside, the group all took seats and got comfortable before Makoto spoke up.

"It wasn't easy to pull off, but we did it. I'm really glad Akane-chan is okay." Makoto said as Morgana chuckled and spoke up.

"I'm with you there, Makoto. This time was a little too close. Luckily, we left Lady Nanako behind to watch over Akane, so she wasn't alone this entire time, for whatever that's worth." Morgana said as both Yu and Rise exchanged a skeptical glance, mouthing 'Lady Nanako!?' under their breath to each other as Haru spoke up before either of them could voice their confusion.

"But why did Akane-chan become a Monarch?" Haru asked in confusion. Ann spoke up with a frown on her face.

"It sounded like Akane-chan kinda had her own agenda going. But is that what makes you a Monarch, though?" Ann asked as Morgana spoke up.

"Good question. Well, one thing's for certain, Akane was made into a Monarch as bait to try and capture us. I think we can agree that Konoe at least confirmed that much for us after we beat Akane's Shadow as well as the Investigation Team in that unplanned fight. But to their credit, they're incredibly strong. We were lucky to eck out a win thanks to that surprise Triad Special at the end, as well as Kusa's quick thinking in fighting Almighty with Almighty. But if I had to guess, I'd say Konoe's the one who set this up." Morgana said as Kusa spoke up.

"You're probably right, but given what Yu said before we left the other world about EMMA helping them get to the Metaverse, I doubt EMMA's innocent in all this." Kusa pointed out as Morgana spoke up.

"Good point. But back to Konoe for now. It's clear he set all of this up, possibly with EMMA's help. Although I'm not sure if he was acting on Owada's orders or just on his own in this case." Morgana said as Ren frowned and spoke up.

"Could it be a bit of both?" Ren suggested as Naoto nodded and spoke up.

"Given what we've seen of Konoe-san so far, I'd agree with that. And I do recall that Rise had a rather skeptical vibe of both Konoe and EMMA, as did Yu." Naoto said as Ann spoke up.

"Good point. Do you guys think Konoe made Alice and Natsume into Monarchs, too?" Ann said as Haru spoke up.

"Not to mention Mari-san." Haru said as Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if it was him. But it probably wasn't for the same reason he made Akane into one. That part remains a mystery." Morgana said as Goro spoke up.

"Hmm. Maybe it's just paranoia after hanging around Kusa so much, but I wonder if possibly Akane-chan being made into a Monarch wasn't so much Konoe's idea, as it might've been EMMA's? I could see that being possible, especially since Kusa's theory of EMMA being evil seems to still be in play for now." Goro pointed out as Makoto frowned and spoke up with a pissed-off look on her face.

"Perhaps, but it doesn't matter if it was EMMA's idea or not, Konoe still gave the order. Playing with other people's hearts like that is just sick and wrong. He won't get away with this." Makoto said as Ryuji nodded and spoke up.

"Truth, babe! Yeah, just you wait, you goat-chinned mother-" Ryuji said as several voices spoke up to cut off Ryuji's profane outburst mid-sentence, stopping him from swearing in front of Sophia.

"RYUJI!" Ren, Sumire, Sojiro, Makoto, and Kusa all rebuked Ryuji simultaneously as Sumire kept speaking.

"Language around Sophia, please!" Sumire pointed out as Ryuji winced and spoke up.

"Crap, right. My bad. Sorry." Ryuji said as Sumire nodded, before everyone's eyes widened at the sound of police sirens nearby, making the group fall silent for a time. Once the sirens stopped, Morgana spoke up.

"Is it gone yet? Looks like they haven't found this place, just yet." Morgana said as Haru frowned and spoke up.

"Well, I dunno about Yu and his friends, but the rest of us are stuck here unless we do something to clear our names, and fast." Haru said as Ren's phone started ringing as a simultaneous 'BIP!' from Sumire's phone, which was on the table next to Haru, preceded Sophia speaking up.

"Ren? You have an incoming call from someone named 'Sae Niijima'." Sophia said as at least three different voices spoke up.

"WHAT!?" Makoto, Goro, and Naoto all said in unison as Makoto kept speaking.

"From Sis!?" Makoto asked as Naoto spoke up.

"You guys know Niijima-san the elder?" Naoto asked as Makoto spoke up.

Yes, she's my sister. I didn't know that YOU knew her though, Shirogane-san." Makoto said as Naoto spoke up.

"There were a couple of times she and I crossed paths when she was still a prosecutor. We worked on a couple of cases together. Although from what I heard about her recently, she's now a defense lawyer." Naoto said as Ren gestured for the group to be quiet as he answered his phone.

"Hello, Ren Amamiya's phone, Ren speaking." Ren said as Sae's voice was heard speaking up.

"Hello, Amamiya-kun? It's been some time. Do you remember me? I'm Sae Niijima." Sae said as Ren chuckled and spoke up.

"Of course I remember you, Niijima-san. How many times does this make now you've had to save us from a very bad situation? As if I'd ever forget you after all you've done for us?" Ren said as Sae chuckled and spoke up on the other end.

"Heh, thanks. Ugh, but it sounds like you've stuck your nose into something big again. Is everyone else with you? Could you put me on speaker?" Sae asked as Ren nodded and put his call on speaker so everyone could hear as Sae kept speaking.

"It's good to hear you're all okay." Sae said as Makoto spoke up with a closed-eye smile on her face.

"Sis, I don't know how you got results so fast, but thank you. I knew you'd come through for us." Makoto said as Sae chuckled and spoke up.

"Of course I came through, heh. But you owe me BIG for this one. My help doesn't come cheap, you know?" Sae said as Kusa spoke up.

"You say that like some of us are worried about the cost of your help, Niijima-san. Sure, some of us aren't as good financially as others, but we have your fees covered. You have no reason to be in doubt of that. But thank you. You really saved the day." Kusa said as Ryuji grinned and spoke up.

"For real. Kusa's right. You really saved our asses, Niijima-san. We wouldan been totally boned if you hadn't gotten Zenkichi outta the clink." Ryuji said as Futaba smirked and spoke up.

"Gorgeous and professional! That's a recipe for a femme fatale super lawyer, if I've ever seen one." Futaba said as Naoto laughed and spoke up.

"Heh, femme fatale? That's a new description for Niijima-san the elder." Naoto said in amusement as Sae blinked and spoke up.

"Is that Shirogane-san with you guys? I didn't expect you guys to cross paths with her. Regardless, it's good to hear your voice again, Shirogane-san. It's been far too long, my old friend. Also, flattery won't get you anywhere Sakura the younger, just so you're aware. Plus, I can't take ALL the credit. Anyway, I have some good news. The arrest warrant for the Phantom Thieves has been voided. That should keep the police off your backs for the time being." Sae said as virtually everyone's jaw dropped before Makoto spoke up.

"Wha-? For real? How'd that happen?" Makoto asked as Sae spoke up with an amused chuckle.

"Very easily, as it turns out. The arrest warrant didn't have a judge's seal. What's more, the evidence submitted was fake. It seems like SOMEONE wanted you all arrested, and they didn't care what it was for, so long as it was done. And not only that, but it turns out the Public Security Bureau had a hand in Inspector Hasegawa's unlawful investigation." Sae said as Naoto's eyes widened at this as she spoke up at the same time Chie did.

"WHAT!?" Chie and Naoto said as Naoto kept speaking.

"Public Security tried to have one of their own unlawfully investigated!?" Naoto asked in shock. Sae chuckled and spoke up.

"I'm guessing that the other voice I just heard with Shirogane-san's belongs to Detective Satonaka, of the Inaba Police Department? But yes, Shirogane-san, they did. I know that's a lot for you to take, given your current occupation, but I assure you it's true. Anyways, the prefectural police are scrambling to cover this up. They can't afford to be out looking for you. I'll contact you if anything happens. In the meantime, just focus on getting out of your current predicament, okay?" Sae said as Ren spoke up.

"Got it. We'll thank you properly later, Niijima-san." Ren said as Sae smiled and spoke up.

"No need for that, Amamiya-kun. Just make it back in one piece. No better way to say thanks. After all, if not for you guys reaching out to me, I wouldn't have gotten to meet Z-err, I mean Inspector Hasegawa. And that was a big reward in and of itself." Sae said as Makoto smirked and spoke up with a closed-eye smile.

"Sis, I heard that slip of the tongue. I didn't think Zenkichi-san would have that sort of impression on you? But in all seriousness, thank you so much." Makoto said as Goro smirked and spoke up.

"You're surprised, Makoto? She might be your older sister, but this is still Sae-san we're talking about here. Of course she's going to be looking for love. After all, she's at around the right age to be searching for a husband. And depending on how things play out, well, let's just say that I don't exactly believe that Sae-san hooking up with Zenkichi would be the worst thing for either one of them. The only slight issue I can see with them as a couple is how Akane-san would handle seeing her dad in a new relationship. Pretty sure I recall Akane saying Zenkichi's kept himself single ever since the day of his wife's accident." Goro pointed out as Sae blinked at Goro's mention of Zenkichi having a daughter, before her eyes widened as she realized she recognized Goro's voice. She then spoke up

"Wh-What? I don't know what you're talking about, Makoto. But even then, I think I recognize the voice of the guy who just spoke up. Not to mention, I'm pretty sure I know only one guy who used to call me Sae-san in such a mixed amused and slightly condescending way. But, how could that be possible? Last I'd heard, Goro Akechi died in a fire about two and a half years ago. It was all over the news." Sae said as Goro winced and spoke up.

"Umm, to be honest? Those stories may have been slightly exaggerated in order to help me get a fresh start so I could try and atone for my many sins without having to constantly look over my shoulder in fear that another of my father's former allies might be trying to assassinate me. Not to mention, a lot of people want Goro Akechi dead, and rightly so. But at the same time, how much good will killing me do? Yes, I can give a lot of the people I've wronged some closure with my death, but will that really make anyone feel better, much less bring back anyone I helped kill? I don't believe it will.

That's why instead of letting my enemies kill me, I staged my demise so as to have a clean slate to start trying to change my ways and live a productive, law-abiding life where I can start to hopefully make amends for all the many sins I've committed in my short life so far, while hopefully giving those who lost loved ones because of me some sense of closure to their losses in the hopes they can finally move on with their lives. That being said, it's been too long since I heard your voice, Sae-san. Please don't be mad?" Goro said as Sae initially gasped before slowly smiling as she spoke up.

"Heh, well, what do you know? I knew those stories weren't true. I think I know how you did it, but since you seem sincere in being remorseful for what you've done, I won't ask questions about how you pulled such a daring ruse off. Instead, I will agree that it's been far too long since we spoke. And to be honest? I'm not exactly in a position to be mad at you, given the fact that I was pretty harsh to you the last couple of times we ran into one another prior to your apparent disappearance, shortly before Shido's public confession of his sins that ended his aspirations of becoming Prime Minister.

That's why I will instead wish you the best of luck in your new start, and hope you can manage to right as many of your wrongs as possible. Additionally, I'm sorry for doubting you when I accused you of stealing data from my laptop. You were right to say you were innocent of that. I found out later that it was Makoto who'd done that, but as I also found out, she had a good reason for it, so I forgave her." Sae said as Goro smiled and spoke up.

"That's quite all right, Sae-san. I took no offense to that, since I had a feeling you were having an off day that day. But I appreciate your well-wishes. I assure you, I will do everything in my power to make the most of this second chance to do the right thing. And I forgive you for being harsh with me." Goro said as Sae smiled and spoke up.

"Well, aren't you the mature-sounding young man, Goro-kun? I'm impressed. Anyways, I should probably get going. I still have other business to take care of. And in all seriousness? Stay safe, Makoto. That being said, I'm looking forward to hearing from you all again. Also, it was nice hearing your voice again, Shirogane-san. I didn't think I'd get that chance when I reached out to Amamiya-kun the elder and his friends." Sae said with a smile as she ended the call and Ren hung up his phone while Yusuke spoke up.

"How encouraging. To know there are others out there who support us in our endeavors in addition to Ren, Goro, and Kusa's parents, plus Nanako." Yusuke said as Goro smirked and spoke up.

"You left out Akane-chan, Yusuke." Goro said slyly as Sojiro spoke up.

"I'm surprised Morgana hasn't called her Lady Akane yet, to be honest." Sojiro said as Kanji smirked and spoke up.

"Ohh, so Morgana's kind of a simp, then? Sounds like Teddie, if he is." Kanji said as both Teddie and Morgana sputtered and spoke up in near-perfect unison.

"HEY! TAKE THAT BACK! I/HE DO/DOES NOT SOUND LIKE HIM/ME!" Morgana and Teddie both protested, amid laughs from Ren, Kusa, and Yu, and giggles from Sumire, Futaba, and Rise. Yukiko then spoke up.

"Well, now what?" Yukiko asked as Ren spoke up with a smirk on his face.

"For starters, my group has to figure out our plan of attack for getting into Konoe's Jail. But before that, why don't I see if Nanako's awake over at the Hasegawa house and try to get her on the phone so that our guests can hear for themselves that she's well and in one piece. I feel like that could be a load off their minds?" Ren suggested as Yu and Rise looked at each other and nodded as Yu spoke up.

"That would be nice, yes." Yu said as Ren nodded, and dialed up Nanako's cell number, which she'd given Ren before heading to watch over Akane. After a few rings, a sleepy-sounding voice answered after Ren put it on speaker.

"H-Hello? Nanako's phone, Nanako speaking." A very groggy-sounding Nanako said as Ren spoke up.

"I'm sorry. Did I wake you up, Nanako?" Ren asked as Nanako spoke up.

"Oh, hey Ren. You guys get back from the other world yet?" Nanako asked as Ren spoke up.

"Yep. We were able to save Akane, but then we ran into some unexpected guests afterwards. Rather than try to explain the story to you now, why don't I let them speak for themselves since I have it on speaker on my end?" Ren said as Yu spoke up.

"Oh, good. You're safe, Nanako. That's reassuring." Yu said as even though none of the group could see it, the tone of Nanako's voice when she spoke up again made it pretty easy to guess that her eyes had gone wide in shock on hearing Yu's voice on her end.

"That voice. Is that you, Big Bro?" Nanako asked as Yu spoke up again.

"Correct. I may or may not have mobilized the rest of our friends to try and save you after we were misled into believing that your new friends were terrorists who had you as their hostage. Suffice it to say, we know better now." Yu said as Goro spoke up with a smirk.

"Is that because we beat you all in combat, or because you feel foolish for trusting scum like Konoe? Or could it be because you were defeated by the Kung-Fu Dragon and the leader of the Phantom Thieves?" Goro said slyly as Yu glared at Goro and spoke up.

"All of the above. Now shut up." Yu said reluctantly as Yosuke spoke up.

"Cheer up, partner. Not many people have beaten the Kung-Fu Dragon, so it's not a shock you lost. A shock that he blocked your strongest move, perhaps. But not that he won. It was a foregone conclusion that would happen, especially when he teamed up with the leader of the Phantom Thieves." Yosuke said as Rise spoke up.

"Be nice, you guys. We're all on the same side now, right?" Rise said as everyone else on her side of the call nodded and Nanako spoke up.

"Wait, what? Big Bro lost!? That's wild. And yes, I'm fine, Big Bro! I've been helping these guys out a lot." Nanako said as Yu smiled and spoke up.

"That's good. I'm proud of how well-behaved you've been, Nanako." Yu said as Futaba leaned in to whisper into Kusa's ear so only he could hear.

"Think he'd be so proud if he knew Nanako likes both genders and might have a girlfriend?" Futaba asked as Kusa whispered into Futaba's ear.

"No idea. But maybe don't bring that up just yet?" Kusa suggested, getting a nod from Futaba as Kanji spoke up.

"So, how's life been treatin' you, Nanako? You meet anyone interesting recently?" Kanji asked as Nanako spoke up.

"It's been pretty good! I met the Phantom Thieves, and an inspector named Hasegawa, along with his daughter. They're all nice people. Losing that hotel reservation wasn't fun, but I've done pretty well for myself since then." Nanako said as Yosuke smirked and spoke up.

"Heh, that seemed like a rather evasive answer to me, Nanako-chan. You don't have to lie about it if you met someone special. We can take it." Yosuke said as Yu spoke up.

"Yosuke, it's only been around a week since Rise and I left her alone in that hotel room. Do you really think my 15 and a half year old cousin would be able to not only meet a guy, but manage to make that guy her boyfriend that quickly? Who do you think she is, partner? It's not like she's as popular as my wife here." Yu said as Rise spoke up while swatting Yu on the arm playfully.

"HEY! Be nice! I can't help that being an idol made me insanely popular with both genders! And besides, Nanako-chan's growing up! I wouldn't be surprised if she did already find a boyfriend, or even a girlfriend, since we saw her." Rise said slyly as Nanako shyly spoke up.

"What did you just say, Big Sis!? Also, what makes you think I found a girlfriend, much less have any romantic interest in women?" Nanako said as a sleepy-sounding Akane chose then to speak up.

"Nanako? Are you on the phone?" Akane asked as all the Phantom Thieves gasped as Makoto spoke up with relief.

"Akane-chan? Is that you? How are you feeling? From what we last heard from your father, you were unconscious for a while." Makoto said frantically as Akane spoke up.

"Is that you, Makoto? Yeah, I'm doing fine. I'm not sure what happened to me earlier. One moment I was in my living room and the next thing I remember was waking up in my bed with my Dad next to me. I guess Nanako called to check in with you, Ren, Goro, Kusa, and the others?" Akane said as Nanako spoke up.

"More like they called me. Along with your father, they actually ran into my Big Bro and his friends from my hometown not too long ago, and now they're currently together as of this moment." Nanako said as Akane spoke up.

"Oh. So this probably isn't the best time for me to be speaking up, especially considering we're practically sharing a bed." Akane said as most of the Investigation Team's jaws dropped, while Yu, Rise, Yukiko, and Teddie's eyes widened at what Akane had said before Yosuke groaned and spoke up.

"Seriously? Are you trying to say Nanako likes both genders?" Yosuke said as Yu frowned and spoke up.

"Shut up, Yosuke. Nanako is very much straight, the last time I checked. If anything, these two probably shared a bed as friends or something." Yu said as Rise giggled and spoke up.

"Ooh, is someone in denial that his cousin might have been dragged out of the closet by her potential girlfriend?" Rise said teasingly as Nanako spoke up.

"HEY! Don't tease me like that, Big Sis! Akane and I are just friends!" Nanako said as Kanji smirked and spoke up.

"Friends? Or are you two more like 'friends with benefits'?" Kanji asked as both Yu and Zenkichi, the latter having walked into Akane's room after hearing what sounded like slightly raised voices in time to hear Kanji's question, gaped and then spoke up simultaneously.

"FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS!?/FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS!?" Yu and Zenkichi asked with identical looks of horror. Nanako spoke up.

"We're just friends, Kanji. Besides, Akane isn't into women that I'm aware of. So even if I did have feelings for her, which I'm fairly sure that I'd know if I did, she likely doesn't feel that way about me." Nanako said as she gave Akane a 'stay quiet and let me do the talking!' look after seeing the mulish yet sly look on Akane's face. Yukiko then spoke up.

"It's okay, Nanako. You don't have to hide it if you're bisexual and/or a lesbian now." Yukiko said as Rise giggled and spoke up.

"Imagine that, Yukiko. Nanako-chan is better with the ladies than Teddie is! Hell, she's probably better with them than Kanji used to be!" Rise said as Kanji and Teddie both spoke up.

"HEY!" Kanji and Teddie said as the latter kept speaking.

"How rude, Rise-chan! Also, from the sounds of it, Nana-chan's potential girl-crush is just some random fangirl her age. I, on the other hand, landed a hot weather lady to score with." Teddie said as Yosuke smirked and spoke up.

"Yeah, only because our leader felt sorry for you and set you two up on a blind pity date. I doubt Marie would've looked twice at you otherwise, Teddie." Yosuke said as Teddie pouted and spoke up.

"You're so mean, Yosuke! Also, Emmy-chan likes me for me! She said so herself!" Teddie said as Zenkichi frowned and spoke up.

"Hey! I don't care if you're stroking your own ego or not, that's my daughter you're disrespecting with your 'random fangirl' comment, Teddie! As such, I'm going to have to respectfully ask you to shut up before I have Goro help me detain you." Zenkichi said as Goro smirked and spoke up.

"Do we want to detain him quickly and painlessly, or slowly and painfully?" Goro asked with a straight face as Zenkichi spoke up.

"If he keeps disrespecting Akane like he is? Probably the latter. But if we do that, and anyone asks? I didn't condone that course of action at all. After all, I am still a PubSec agent, and I'm pretty sure I'd get in trouble if I abused my authority to make a point by torturing Teddie, no matter if it was deserved or not." Zenkichi said as Teddie turned a wide-eyed look of horror on Goro and Zenkichi. Nanako then spoke up.

"Come on, be nice to Teddie, you two! I know he's a shameless ladies' man that makes Morgana look like a stud by comparison, but he's harmless. Besides, I believe him when he says he got together with Marie-san. Also, I didn't know you approved of torture, Zenkichi?" Nanako asked as Zenkichi winced and spoke up.

"I, umm, I plead the fifth?" Zenkichi said as Goro, Ren, and Kusa all laughed as Kanji smirked and spoke up.

"I don't blame Zenkichi and Goro. Teddie can be a handful at times. I lose count of the amount of times Yosuke and I have had to resist the urge to use him for punting practice in the TV World. I recall one time Rise had to talk the two of us and Yu out of having a contest to see who could punt Teddie the furthest, luckily for Teddie." Kanji said before wincing as he saw the pointed look Naoto was giving him as he spoke up.

"Chill out, babe! It was a joke." Kanji said as Naoto spoke up.

"I would hope so. Teddie is our friend, regardless of his quirks. Besides, I'm sure Nanako would be quite put out with all of you if you punted him too far and lost him." Naoto said as Rise spoke up.

"We couldn't lose him, partly because Himiko can track pretty damn far. And partly because Teddie would find his way back eventually. He's like a boomerang that way." Rise said as Teddie spoke up.

"Yep! I'd probably follow my babe-dar back to you guys! Also, I promised Nana-chan I'd always be her friend, so I wouldn't be able to let myself get punted too far for that reason as well." Teddie said as Nanako giggled and spoke up.

"Silly Teddie! No matter how far you get punted, we'll always be friends. But anyways, I should probably get going so I can help Zenkichi cook dinner for Akane and I. It was nice talking to you all, though. See you later, Big Bro and Big Sis." Nanako said as she hung up, at which point Ryuji grinned and spoke up.

"That was pretty easy, not to mention hilarious. Now that we've assured Nanako's big bro and his friends that Nanako is safe, we just gotta come up with a plan of action. What should we do?" Ryuji said as Yusuke spoke up.

"Hmm. Well, if Konoe IS responsible for changing people's hearts, then it's likely this case will be resolved once we change HIS heart." Yusuke said as Futaba spoke up.

"Yeah, and we'll clear our names, too!" Futaba said as Kusa spoke up.

"True, but I doubt it'll be that easy. Am I the only one who recalls that last taunt Konoe aimed at us before we left the other world? Something about a barrier that requires us to have cleared six Jails to get past? So even if we do get Konoe's keywords, we might not be able to even enter his Jail." Kusa said as Makoto spoke up.

"Yusuke's right. If we can succeed in changing Konoe's heart, we won't be suspects in the director's murder anymore either." Makoto said as Haru spoke up.

"But even then, not only does Kusa-kun raise a good point, but we still don't have the keyword for Konoe's Jail." Haru said as Goro spoke up.

"Yes, well, is that something we should be blindly discussing with our guests still present?" Goro said, nodding towards the members of the Investigation Team, as Rise spoke up while giving the Phantom Thieves a reassuring smile as she spoke.

"If you're worried about us, don't be. We've been through this before, so we won't tell anyone your secret. After all, that'd be pretty hypocritical of us to do that when we went through something similar during our own tenure as a Persona-using crime-fighting group." Rise pointed out as Goro spoke up.

"Touche. Now that I think about it, Zenkichi-san did mention an 'Investigation Team' at one point. I'm guessing that's you guys?" Goro asked as Yu spoke up with a nod.

"Good guess. That was our team's name, all right. Oh, right, I should probably introduce each of us properly, shouldn't I? I'm Yu Narukami, the brunette who's my wife is Rise Kujikawa-Narukami, or 'Risette' as most call her, the guy in the bear suit is Teddie Hanamura, the brown-haired guy with him is Yosuke Hanamura, the two girls on either side of Yosuke are Yukiko Amagi and Chie Satonaka, the dark-haired guy by Chie is Kanji Tatsumi, and the woman sitting next to Kanji is his wife, Naoto Shirogane-Tatsumi. By the way, I don't think we got any of your names?" Yu said as Ren spoke up. *5*

"That's understandable, since you only knew us by our code names. Aside from Zenkichi Hasegawa which you guys are already aware of, I'm Ren Amamiya, the one with the brown hair is my younger brother Kusa Amamiya, the one with the dark blond hair that's next to Kusa is my technical older brother Goro Amamiya, the lovely lady that's next to me is my girlfriend Sumire Yoshizawa, the lady next to Kusa is his girlfriend Futaba Sakura, the elder gentleman with the black goatee is Futaba's adoptive father Sojiro Sakura, the lady with the floofy hair that's next to Goro is his girlfriend Haru Okumura, the guy with the blond hair is Ryuji Sakamoto and the lady next to him is his girlfriend Makoto Niijima, the girl with the pigtails is Ann Takamaki, the lady next to her is her girlfriend Shiho Suzui who was the roommate that was with Nanako back in Okinawa.

Now that I've introduced all the couples of our group, the tall guy with blue hair and grey eyes is Yusuke Kitagawa. He also has a girlfriend, but she's not part of our group since she's kind of a professional shogi player who travels a lot for her shogi games. Maybe you might recognize her if I mentioned that most refer to her as the 'Venus of Shogi', Hifumi Togo? Anyways, the one with shorter blue hair and blue eyes is Morgana, and finally if you take a look at Sumire's phone, the girl with the heart shape pigtails is our AI companion Sophia. Together we make up the Phantom Thieves of Hearts with Kusa and I as co-leaders." Ren said as everyone, including Sophia, who smiled and waved at the Investigation Team as Sumire pointed her phone at them while Yu spoke up.

"Pleasure to meet you all. For real this time. As for myself and my friends, we make up the Investigation Team. I was the leader, and Yosuke was basically my second-in-command for most of the time we worked together, though I will admit he ended up somewhat sharing the role with Rise once she joined up and got enough experience with the TV world." Yu said as Yusuke, Ryuji, and Ren all sputtered and Futaba spoke up.

"Uh, what? Excuse you?" Futaba asked as Sumire spoke up.

"Did you really just say 'TV World', Yu-san?" Sumire said as Chie spoke up.

"I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. Teddie over there was briefly our guide through the TV World, until Rise joined up and became our main navigator. And do you really have room to doubt us, when your version of the TV World is called the 'Metaverse'?" Chie pointed out as Yusuke spoke up.

"Fair point, Chie-san. In any event, Konoe seems to be more aware of our activities than we expected. I doubt we'll be able to carry out Zenkichi's plan at this point." Yusuke said as Makoto nodded and spoke up with a frown.

"And that's not all. If he knows about us, then he probably knows to keep his keyword safe as well." Makoto said as Yosuke spoke up.

"Not to be rude, but what's a keyword? That's like the third or so time you've said that word." Yosuke said as Yu spoke up.

"Don't you remember, Yosuke? That was how we were able to get into the Metaverse when I asked EMMA to add the Phantom Thieves to my friend registry." Yu said as Ren spoke up.

"A keyword is, as the name implies, a key to get us into the Jail of whatever Monarch we're after. For example, Alice Hiiragi's keyword was 'Wonderland', while Mariko Hyodo's was 'Snow City'. Basically, once we have Konoe's keyword, we'll have everything we need to infiltrate his Jail and change his heart." Ren said as Yosuke nodded his understanding before Makoto spoke up.

"Exactly. That said, it's safe to assume he won't just carelessly let it slip out, at least not while his heart's liable to be changed at any rate." Makoto said as Kusa spoke up.

"So, probably not for a while, if ever. Unless I missed it and there's now a way to protect one's heart from being changed?" Kusa said as Ryuji huffed and spoke up.

"Pretty sure there's not, Kusa. So, we're up shit creek without a paddle, then. Now what?" Ryuji said as Kanji chuckled and spoke up.

"Heh, haven't heard that expression in a minute, to be honest." Kanji said with a grin as a 'BIP' from Sumire's phone, which was in Sumire's hand, preceded Sophia speaking up.

"Hmm, so if we can't get his keyword ourselves, then we just need someone who can get Konoe's keyword without raising suspicions, is that right?" Sophia said as Sojiro spoke up.

"Pretty much. But I don't think we know of such a person. And I'd be very much shocked if the Investigation Team can still get it out of Konoe. Odds are good he won't see them as very useful now that they've failed to change our hearts or stop us." Sojiro said as Yusuke spoke up.

"True. Sophia, do you know of such a person?" Yusuke asked as Sophia spoke up, her next words making Goro, Kusa, and Naoto's eyes all widen at what she said next.

"Well, what about Kuon Ichinose?" Sophia said as most of the room's jaws dropped and Kusa and Naoto spoke up in unison.

"WHAT!?" Kusa and Naoto said as all the Thieves turned to Naoto with surprised looks as Shiho spoke up.

"Kuon Ichinose? Wasn't she that peppy lady that you guys mentioned earlier to me and Nanako-chan before leaving Okinawa?" Shiho asked as Sumire spoke up.

"That's her. But wait a minute, we didn't know that you were aware of Ichinose-san as well, Naoto-san?" Sumire asked before turning to face the woman in question as Naoto nodded and spoke up.

"I'm aware that she was the original owner of EMMA. Although I have not met her, I've seen her on TV when she was questioned on why she sold EMMA to Madicce. Although, I must say, the way she babbles on and on is unsettling." Naoto said as Goro chuckled and spoke up.

"Interesting. For once, you and I seem to agree on something regarding Miss Monologues, Naoto. That being said, are we sure she's on the level to help us?" Goro said. Yosuke chuckled and spoke up while giving Goro a nod of respect, which Goro returned.

"Miss Monologues? I must admit, that's a clever nickname." Yosuke said as Makoto spoke up

"Of course. Ichinose-san's the one who developed EMMA, and she's had contact with Konoe, thanks to the lecture at the university that we listened to." Makoto said as Goro spoke up with a smirk.

"You mean the one where we cut that deal with her, despite my entirely practical suggestion that we just get rid of her?" Goro asked as Sojiro frowned and spoke up.

"Goro, I'm pretty sure 'killing her and hiding the body', which was what you suggested, is not a good suggestion. Nor is it a suggestion that follows Phantom Thief code in any way whatsoever." Sojiro said as Kusa spoke up.

"And don't forget the part where Goro said, and I quote, 'I've missed the chance to be able to tor-err, I mean what? Neigh?' after he made that suggestion." Kusa said with a smirk as Goro pouted and spoke up as both Ren and Yosuke laughed at the irritated glare Goro gave Kusa while he spoke.

"I hate you so much right now, Kusa." Goro said as Haru frowned and spoke up.

"Don't lie like that, Goro. You know you respect Kusa-kun. After all, he's your half-brother. That said, Ichinose-san might be able to get Konoe's keyword without seeming out of place." Haru said as Morgana turned to smile at Sophia while he spoke up.

"Heh, this just might work. Good job, Lady Sophia!" Morgana said as Sophia smiled, her cheeks pinking slightly from Morgana's praise as she spoke up.

"No prob. It was 'A piece of cake', as they say." Sophia said as Shiho spoke up.

"Ignoring your usage of 'they', pretty sure that saying goes 'Piece of cake', Sophia." Shiho said as Futaba spoke up.

"Pretty sure those are both sayings. But never mind that. See if you can call her up right now, Ren!" Futaba said as Teddie spoke up.

"But isn't it night-time right now? Who's to say this Ichinose person is even awake?" Teddie said as Kusa spoke up.

"Your ears do work correctly, right Teddie? I do believe that's why Taba said 'See IF you CAN call her', Teddie." Kusa pointed out bluntly, getting amused smirks from Yu and Yosuke as Ren dialed up Ichinose's number. After a few rings, a familiar, if overly cheerful, voice spoke up.

"Hellooo! Ah, hello there, Ren-kun! You seem to be doing okay. That's great to hear. It truly brightens my day!" Ichinose said and as Goro groaned in annoyance, Ren spoke up.

"It's good to see you as well Ichinose-san. I hope we didn't call you at a bad time. To be honest, we're in a bit of a pinch and we could use your help." Ren said as Ichinose spoke up with widened eyes.

"Hm? Did something happen? Or, wait, lemme back up a bit. How did things go in Okinawa?" Ichinose said as Ann's eyes widened at that and she spoke up.

"Oh, right, I forgot about that. We never told Ichinose-san about Okinawa." Ann said as Makoto nodded and spoke up.

"That's true. We should fill her in on what's going on. The fact that we'd be filling the Investigation Team in as well to a point is icing on the cake, I suppose." Makoto said as Ichinose smiled and spoke up.

"Ah, it sounds like you're all together, and from what I just heard you seem to have made some other friends since we last talked. Okay, let's hear it!" Ichinose said as Ren nodded and filled her in on everything that had gone down in Okinawa, and even what had happened since then to a point. After he was done speaking, Ichinose smiled and spoke up.

"I see, I see. Well, it seems like you're caught up in another crazy adventure, as usual! Ahahahaha!" Ichinose said as Ryuji frowned and spoke up.

"Hey, this ain't nothin' to laugh about." Ryuji said as Ichinose winced and spoke up.

"Oops, I guess that wasn't right for me to laugh at you, was it? Hmm, I think I understand what's going on. So you're after Konoe-san's keyword, right?" Ichinose said as Makoto nodded and spoke up.

"Right, do you think you can get it out of him?" Makoto asked as Ichinose spoke up.

"I can. But, well, asking him for it might be kind of weird. I mean, I already got it from him a while ago." Ichinose said as virtually every jaw in the room dropped and at least four different voices spoke up in shock.

"SAY WHAT!?" Naoto, Yosuke, Chie, Kanji, Kusa, Ryuji, Goro, and Sojiro all asked in unison as Futaba sputtered and spoke up.

"B-But how!?" Futaba said as Ichinose giggled and spoke up.

"Well, the day you guys came to that lecture, there was a little social gathering afterward for some of the bigger names involved in putting said gathering together. And it was there that I ran into Konoe-san and he gave me his business card. The keyword was right there on the front. Huh, now where did I put it? I'm pretty sure I had it right here somewhere." Ichinose said as Futaba spoke up.

"P-Please, you gotta find it! This is something that's top-priority!" Futaba said as Ichinose spoke up in surprise.

"O-Oh? Right, okay, I'll see what I can do. I think it was around here somewhere the last time I saw it." Ichinose said as the next sounds that were heard were rustling sounds as Ichinose rifled through her stuff to find the card, before a distinct cry of 'Wah!?' was heard over the phone as Ichinose spoke up in a flustered-sounding tone.

"S-Sorry. It might take me a bit to find that. I, uhh, ok this might take me a while since there's so much stuff! I will contact you guys the moment I find the business card that has the keyword on it. Have a nice day!" Ichinose said nervously before hanging up the phone as Ann spoke up with a sweatdrop.

"Uhh, she's as eccentric as ever, isn't she, huh? And it's going to take until tomorrow? How messy do you think her room is?" Ann asked as Morgana smirked and spoke up.

"Probably messier than Futaba's room used to be before we changed her heart, if I had to guess. Mwehehe." Morgana said as both Kusa and Futaba glared at him and spoke up together.

"SHUT UP, MORGANA!" Kusa and Futaba said as Kusa kept speaking.

"And don't be putting Taba's private business on blast like that, Morgana! Besides, it's not her fault that she didn't keep her room up. So cut her some slack." Kusa said as Teddie smirked and spoke up.

"Futaba had a messy room? Sounds like how both Yosuke and Sensei kept their rooms to a point." Teddie said, before finding himself face-down on the floor a minute later after Yosuke lightly pushed him onto his back where he flailed around pathetically, making both Goro and Ryuji burst out laughing as the former spoke up.

"No way! You actually turtled him!? I didn't think that was possible in real life?" Goro said as Ryuji high-fived Goro and spoke up.

"Truth, Goro! Pretty sure you usually only see turtling in cartoons." Ryuji said as the others shrugged while Sumire and Yukiko worked together to help Teddie to his feet, after which he glared at Yosuke and spoke up.

"RUDE! I was just stating a fact, Yosuke! You didn't have to knock me down over it." Teddie said with a pout as Yosuke spoke up.

"Is it really a fact if you're throwing shade at myself and Yu, though!?" Yosuke said as Yukiko spoke up.

"I didn't think you knew what 'throwing shade' meant, Yosuke-kun?" Yukiko asked innocently, making Sophia, Rise, Chie, and Futaba all giggle at the fish impression Yosuke did at that point. While he was speechless, Yusuke spoke up.

"A small price to pay, but if it gets us his keyword, it's a price worth paying." Yusuke said as Haru spoke up with a smile.

"Mmhm! Once we get that keyword and find a way to get past that barrier Konoe told us about, we'll be able to enter his Jail!" Haru said as Ryuji frowned and spoke up.

"True, but can we really count on her, though?" Ryuji asked as Makoto winced and spoke up.

"I'm not so sure, sweetie. But at the same time? We don't have any other options right now." Makoto said as Kusa spoke up.

"Good point. But we've got time anyways, since we still need to find a sixth Jail to clear before we can get into Konoe's Jail anyways." Kusa pointed out as Morgana spoke up.

"Yeah. In any case, let's just make sure we're prepared for when we finally infiltrate the Jail. Tomorrow, we'll wait for Ichinose to hopefully make contact with the keyword, then we'll reconvene and figure out our next move." Morgana said as Ren turned to Goro and Kusa with a pensive look and spoke up.

"Actually, we might be able to figure out our next move now. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you two tell us about another Jail that Goro was dragged into before you caught up to the rest of us. And if I recall right, wasn't it also this same Jail that Sojiro awakened to his Persona in?" Ren said as Yu's jaw dropped at what Ren had said before he spoke up in shock.

"Wait, what? People can awaken to Personas in these Jails!?" Yu asked in surprise as Ren spoke up with a nod.

"Correct. It might not be how you and your friends awakened to your Personas, but for us? We all had to confront various representations of our past in the Metaverse. For most of us, we had to go through these places called 'Palaces' where we had to defeat the Rulers of each Palace. By the time we finished all the Palaces, there were 11 of us in total who'd awakened to Personas: myself, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, Goro, Sumire, and Kusa. Granted, both Morgana and Goro technically awakened to their Personas before meeting us, but it was still in the Metaverse, no doubt." Ren said as Yu nodded and spoke up.

"I see. That makes sense. And you would be quite correct that my group had a very different means of awakening to our Personas. With the exception of myself, since I was helped into awakening to my Persona through what my friends and I have equated to being divine intervention, the rest of us had to literally defeat and accept our Shadows to get our Personas. To this day, we're not entirely sure how Teddie in particular had a Shadow to fight, since he IS a Shadow in his own right, but we've also decided that's something we're probably better off not knowing the truth of." Yu said as Futaba spoke up with a look of surprise on her face.

"At the risk of sounding like Ryuji, for real!? That's how you guys awakened to your Personas, Yu? Talk about a small world. You see, what you just described seems eerily similar to how I awakened to both of my Personas, while Kusa helped Ren, Ryuji, Morgana, Makoto, Ann, and Yusuke infilrate my Palace to try and change my heart at my request about four years ago." Futaba remarked as Ren spoke up with a nod before any of the Investigation team could do more than exchange surprised looks at Futaba's remark about their Awakenings being similar to hers.

"Huh. That's actually quite crazy when you put it like that, Futaba. I can't imagine any of you had an easy time when fighting against your Shadows. But I think we can table any questions I have about the particulars of that for now, since I think I asked Kusa a question before, and he looks ready to answer it. Don't you, Kusa?" Ren said as Kusa nodded while he spoke up.

"That's correct. Anyways, to answer your original question, Ren? Yes, there was. It was the Yongen-Jaya Jail. However, I think only Goro has the keyword for that Jail, since I was dragged into it when I got to the porch of his hideaway to knock on the front door. So if Goro has those, we can head back to Yongen and try to get back in there and see if there's still a Monarch in that Jail. If there is, odds are it'll be the Black Mask, since that's who Goro, Sojiro and I fought the last time we were in there." Kusa said as Goro spoke up with a nod.

"Indeed. If I recall correctly, the keyword to that Jail was 'Black Mask', ironically enough. But don't quote me on that until we get to Yongen to try it out." Goro said as Kusa nodded and spoke up.

"Fair enough. But before that, what are your plans going forward?" Kusa said, aiming his question at Yu and the other Investigation Team members. Yu spoke up.

"For now, we need to get back, since we have allies to fill in on what we went through, and people to appease. But don't worry, we'll keep your secret. After all, you were able to best us in combat fair and square, so that speaks volumes to how capable you all are. I feel very safe leaving Nanako in your hands for the time being. Although, I might have to be having a rather pointed discussion with one of you, given how fondly they spoke of 'Lady Nanako', as they called her, before." Yu said, aiming a frown at a now-wincing Morgana, who reflexively hid behind a frowning Ryuji, who shoved him aside and spoke up in annoyance.

"Hey, don't hide behind me! Face your punishment like a man, Morgana!" Ryuji said as Kanji smirked and fist-bumped Ryuji while speaking up.

"Heh, sounds like somethin' I'd say, to be honest." Kanji said as Ryuji grinned and spoke up while high-fiving Kanji.

"Truth, man! I think we think alike." Ryuji said happily as Kanji nodded before Naoto huffed and spoke up.

"That's because you're both imbeciles. But at least in your case, you're a loveable imbecile, Kanji." Naoto said as she leaned in to sneakily steal a kiss from Kanji, ignoring the shocked looks on the faces of the Thieves as Yu spoke up.

"Yes, Kanji and Naoto are a couple. There's quite a few couples within our ranks. First, we have Kanji and Naoto. Then, myself and Rise. And then, there's Yosuke and his crush, Labrys. Both Chie and Teddie have people they're dating, but neither are part of the team. That said, I think it's time we got out of you guys' hair for now. Oh, but before we go? We feel bad for blaming you all unfairly, so let us compensate you for the hotel reservations that the cops cost you. And I recall you had questions about the particulars of what each of us had to deal with when facing our Shadows.

I don't think there's time to tell you that now, but how's this? Next time we meet, we can have a rematch, and this time, all of you can participate. Hopefully we can gather some of the other allies we've made together so that we can at least somewhat match you in terms of numbers. Either way, if we do that and you win? We'll tell you everything about each of our Shadows. But if we win? You have to keep wondering about that until you can beat us in a battle again. Sound fair?" Yu said as Ren thought about it and spoke up.

"That seems like a reasonable offer. Provided none of the others object to those terms, I think you've got a deal, Yu." Ren said as the rest of the Thieves all cheered and nearly immediately chorused their acceptance, both of Yu's terms and of the offer to extend their hotel room reservations another night, before Ren kept speaking.

"Well, that sounds pretty well unanimous to me. And I doubt that Zenkichi would disagree, so I think it's safe to say you've got yourself a deal, Yu. Let us both train our hardest for when the day comes we have that rematch, and until then, best of luck to you in your endeavors." Ren said as Yu nodded, extending out a hand to Ren that he shook willingly to seal both the pact between the two Wild Cards, or former Wild Card in Yu's case, as well as show there was no bad blood between the Phantom Thieves and the Investigation Team, as the latter of the two groups got up and left the hideaway together, leaving the Phantom Thieves, with the exception of Zenkichi, who was back at home having a meal with Nanako and Akane, to figure their next move out...

END OF CHAPTER AND OF ARC 5- HOWL OF THE RESOLUTE WOLF

A/N: And boom, another chapter done and dusted, as well as another arc! And just like that, we're at the halfway point for this story! But the next arc will be interesting, since it's going to be an arc that didn't even exist in canon Strikers. Basically, the next arc will deal with the Phanton Thieves returning to a certain Jail that Crow and Draconis briefly went through in Chapter 7, along with Pendragon, who awakened in said Jail. So bear with me if the quality of those chapters isn't quite as good as the last few chapters. I've not really ever written unique arcs before in stories, so it'll be something of a first for me as well.

As a preview, next chapter will be the Arc 5 interlude, which will probably have a lot of hotel-based shenanigans, probably the beginning of the trip back to Yongen, and even a check-in back with Nanako, Zenkichi, and Akane. Might even have more, if word count permits. So there's that preview out of the way.

Let me take this chance here to thank everyone who's not only read this far into the chapter, but this far into the story in general, as your dedication to the story is truly appreciated and admired. Feel free to leave a review (or PM if you don't like reviewing) with your thoughts/constructive criticism/feedback/suggestions for this story, and maybe other stories too. Don't be shy, since I like hearing from my readers either way! And until next chapter, sithlorde1988 out!

NOTES

*1* - Probably not a needed note, but I felt like putting it. This remark by Shiho/Flare is actually a Persona 3 reference. Kudos to anyone who figures out who she's referencing.

*2* - Random fun fact: If you listen to the Kyoto Jail music (or 'Counterfeit Phantom' as it's also called) long enough, you can hear it cut in a Japanese-sounding mix of part of the instrumentals of what I'm pretty sure is 'Life Will Change'. It shocked me when I heard that part of the song while typing this chapter. That said, not gonna lie, Counterfeit Phantom is kind of a low-key banger, even if it's not on the level of songs like 'Daredevil', 'Counter Strike', or even the Strikers remix of 'Rivers in the Desert'. Figured I'd throw that out there as a fun fact.

*3* - Clarifying what Makoto/Queen says here, I do believe that the following have actually not had legitimate experience with losing a loved one: Mona/Morgana, Skull/Ryuji, Panther/Ann, Flare/Shiho, Seeker/Sophia, and maybe Fox/Yusuke? Not sure if he was old enough to remember his mom dying, but the fact that Madarame all but taunts him about it when you fight his Shadow in canon Royal makes it seem like that almost counts, but I don't know if it actually does. Feel free to let me know if it does count or not, though.

*4* - Since I get a feeling people will be confused if I don't clarify this, other than Yukiko, Chie, and Yu, all the Persona 4 characters that appear in this story are using their character models from the 'Golden' epilogue added into Persona 4 Golden, but adjusted to reflect the fact that around 8 years have passed since the epilogue in question, some being adjusted more than others *coughNanakocough*, so that's why Kanji, Nanako, Naoto, and Teddie have slightly different designs than usual, especially Teddie's 'human' form that he has outside the bear suit. Figured I'd clear that up.

*5* - This is at least slightly me taking liberties on my part, but as far as I'm concerned, with how quickly Yosuke's parents took Teddie in and accepted him as a son of sorts, I could see them easily deciding to adopt Teddie as Yosuke's little brother, much to his annoyance. At least, that's my opinion.

PHANTOM THIEF SKILL LISTINGS AND ALLY LIST AS OF THE END OF CHAPTER 25 AND THE END OF ARC 5

JOKER (Ren) - Level: 54 Current Personas: Raoul (Level 32), Jack-O'-Lantern (Level 42), Jack Frost (Level 42), Okuninushi (Level 48), Pixie (Level 35), Pisaca (Level 35), Norn (Level 54), Ganesha (Level 54), Queen Mab (Level 51), Fortuna (Level 54) Equipped Persona: Queen Mab Persona Moveset: Mazionga (Elec), Bufudyne (Ice), Makajamaon (Ailment), Concentrate (Support/Buff), Mapsio (Psy), Makouga (Bless), Garula (Wind), Agidyne (Fire)

SKULL (Ryuji) - Level: 49 Current/Partner Persona: Seiten Taisei Persona Moveset: Zionga (Elec), Megaton Raid (Physical), Matarukaja (Support/Buff), Attack Master (Passive), Mazionga (Elec), Rebel Soul (Passive), Swift Strike (Physical), Shock Boost (Passive)

MONA (Morgana) - Level: 49 Current/Partner Persona: Diego Persona Moveset: Garula (Wind), Diarahan (Healing), Mediarama (Healing), Magarula (Wind), Wind Boost (Passive), Samarecarm (Healing), Masukunda (Support/Debuff), Dodge Elec (Passive)

PANTHER (Ann) - Level: 50 Current/Partner Persona: Hecate Persona Moveset: Agidyne (Fire), Burn Boost (Passive), Fire Boost (Passive), Soul Thief (Passive), Maragion (Fire), Matarunda (Support/Debuff), Marin Karin (Ailment), Diarama (Healing)

FOX (Yusuke) - Level: 50 Current/Partner Persona: Kamu Susano-o Persona Moveset: Bufula (Ice), Speed Master (Passive), Masukukaja (Support/Buff), Knockdown Style (Passive), Vicious Strike (Physical), Tempest Slash (Physical), Mabufula (Ice), Dodge Fire (Passive)

QUEEN (Makoto) - Level: 49 Current/Partner Persona: Anat Persona Moveset: Freila (Nuclear), Dekunda (Support/Buff), Marakukaja (Support/Buff), Mafreila (Nuclear), Diarama (Healing), Flash Bomb (Physical), Mediarama (Healing), Nuke Boost (Passive)

NOIR (Haru) - Level: 49 Current/Partner Persona: Lucy Persona Moveset: Psio (Psy), Psy Boost (Passive), Heat Riser (Support/Buff), Triple Down (Gun), Evil Smile (Ailment), Amrita Shower (Healing), Mapsio (Psy), Gun Boost (Passive)

ORACLE (Futaba) - Level: 54 Current Personas: Al Azif and Albus Equipped Persona: Al Azif Persona Moveset: Analysis (Passive), Moral Support (Passive), Active Support (Passive), Moral Boost (Passive), Active Boost (Passive), Moral Boost EX (Passive), Active Boost EX (Passive), Final Guard (Passive)

SEEKER (Sophia) - Level: 49 Current/Partner 'Persona': Pithos Persona Moveset: Kougaon? (Bless), Bless Amp? (Passive), Diarama? (Healing), Makouga? (Bless), Mediarama? (Healing), Marakunda? (Support/Debuff), Divine Grace? (Passive), Recarm? (Healing)

WOLF (Zenkichi) - Level: 53 Current/Partner Persona: Valjean Persona Moveset: Megido (Almighty), Gun Boost (Passive), Dekaja (Support/Debuff), Technical High (Passive), Triple Down (Gun), Heat Riser (Support/Buff), Enduring Soul (Passive), Sukukaja (Support/Buff)

VIOLET (Sumire) - Level: 50 Current/Partner Persona: Ella Persona Moveset: Kouga (Bless), Dodge Curse (Passive), Diarama (Healing), Bless Boost (Passive), Heat Wave (Physical), Makouga (Bless), Tempest Slash (Physical), Samarecarm (Healing)

DRACONIS (Kusa) - Level: 49 Current/Partner Persona: Malefor Persona Moveset: Agilao (Fire), Garula (Wind), Mediarama (Healing), Rising Slash (Physical), Masukunda (Support/Debuff), Vicious Strike (Physical), Megido (Almighty), Almighty Boost (Passive)

CROW (Goro) - Level: 49 Current/Partner Persona: Hereward Persona Moveset: Eiga (Curse), One-Shot Kill (Gun), Maeiga (Curse), Deathbound (Physical), Debilitate (Support/Debuff), Mudo (Curse/insta-kill), Megidola (Almighty), Curse Boost (Passive)

PENDRAGON (Sojiro) - Level: 49 Current/Partner Persona: Kohryu Persona Moveset: Psiodyne (Psy), Assault Dive (Physical), Concentrate (Support/Buff), Mediarama (Healing), Mapsio (Psy), Evade Nuke (Passive), Spell Master (Passive), Psy Boost (Passive)

FLARE (Shiho) - Level: 49 Current/Partner Persona: Hester Persona Moveset: Bufula (Ice), Oni-Kagura (Physical), Mediarama (Healing), Divine Grace (Passive), Recarm (Healing), Freila (Nuclear), Ice Boost (Passive), Nuke Boost (Passive)

Allies: Ichinose, Akane, Nanako, Taichi, Momoe, Sae, Yu, Yosuke, Chie, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise, Teddie, Naoto

LIST OF KNOWN TRIAD SPECIALS

DIVINE BLIZZARD (Draconis, Fox, Violet)

PURGATORY ARROW (Crow, Noir, Panther)

REBELLIOUS VENGEANCE BURST (Joker, Skull, Seeker)

SNOW CAT-JUTSU (Mona, Flare, Wolf)

JUDGEMENT STRIKE (Oracle, Queen, Pendragon)