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!

43. Climbing the Tree! Tree of EMMA part 1

A/N: sithlorde1988 here, with another chapter of Phantom Files, Book 2: Rise Of The Monarchs! Well, here we are. We've reached the start of Arc 9, or the penultimate Arc, of Rise of the Monarchs. At this point, only a few chapters remain for people to be able to vote on my current poll. I'll hold off on mentioning the in-depth standings of the poll until probably either the end-of-chapter A/N for chapter 44 or the start-of-chapter A/N for chapter 45, depending on the mood I'm in at the time. But for now, I think you're eager for more Rise of The Monarchs. So let's go ahead and knock out the disclaimer so that it's done and out of the way, yeah?

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 Malefor and Albus, and the Phantom Thief attire for Draconis, Pendragon, and Seraphim, all of which I do own. I do not, however, own the OC Personas Hester and Houdini, nor the Phantom Thief attire concepts for Shiho/Flare.

The OC Persona Hester and the Phantom Thief attire concepts for Shiho/flare were created by, and thus belong to, thalassatides (at symbol) bsky on X (or Twitter as it used to be called). If you happen to be on X, feel free to look up thelassatides (at symbol) bsky's work, as they do some good work. As for the OC Persona Houdini, that belongs to Flower Boy Jun over on Amino Apps. If you use that site, go look him up, since he has some very interesting OC Persona designs and also does amazing work.

As far as the Phantom Thief attire concept for Akane/Auburn, Atlus technically owns the attire that Akane/Auburn's Phantom Thief attire was based off of, aka her Monarch outfit, but I own the modifications made to the outfit to create her Phantom Thief attire, so I own Akane/Auburn's Phantom Thief attire, but not the outfit it's based on, if that makes sense at all.

Also shout-out to jdimock for giving me the idea to make Akane/Auburn's Phantom Thief attire a color-swap of her Monarch outfit, even if I ended up making her Phantom Thief attire largely different from aforementioned Monarch outfit, it was still jdimock's idea, so shout-out and credit to him for having the idea)) and the actual ownership credit for the Persona series belongs to Atlus and Sega (where it comes to Persona 3, Persona 4, Persona 5, Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal, as well as Persona 3 FES and Persona 3 Reload), as well as to a point Koei Tecmo (where it pertains to Strikers). The rest of the spinoffs belong to various other companies, all of whom know who they are.

And when it comes to Persona 1, Persona 2-Eternal Punishment, and Persona 2-Innocent Sin? As far as I know, they were made by a different studio, who also knows who they are. Full ownership credit for the Persona spinoffs (Phantom X, Tactica, the 'Arena' games, the 'Dancing' games, and the 'Q' games) belong to the studios that helped make them, as well as Atlus and possibly Sega. And full ownership credits for Persona 1, Persona 2- Eternal Punishment, and Persona 2-Innocent Sin belong to the studios that made those games, so all credit to them.

Before we proceed with the start-of-chapter A/N, let me say that the reason there was such a gap between chapter 42 being uploaded and chapter 43 being uploaded was partly because jdimock wanted extra time to relax before I posted this chapter. And by the time the edited version of this chapter goes live, there was likely an additional delay due to the site this story is on going down for a few days recently (For timelining purposes, it's currently 9:14PM on Saturday, July 13th, 2024 as I type this part of the start-of-chapter A/N out) which delayed a lot of things, including this chapter's editing process.

There we go, one disclaimer, extra well-done! That being said, I think we should get on to the chapter, so I'll wait for the end-of-chapter A/N to say much more. For now though, let's get into the chapter! Here's chapter 43!

Chapter 43- Pre-Tree Preparations! Grinds, Skills, and Planning! Demiurge Tree part 1

(At the same time as the end of Chapter 42, a safe distance from the Tokyo Radio Tower, with Maruki, Hiraguchi, Shibusawa, and Shibusawa's wife)

As they got into Tokyo, Maruki's group conversed a bit before deciding to go check out the Tokyo Radio Tower. On the way, Shibusawa spoke up.

"So those guys we were introduced to back in Universaland the other day were the guys that stopped you when you lost sight of yourself, eh Takuto?" Shibusawa asked as Maruki chuckled weakly and spoke up.

"Pretty much. Granted, there were only 11 of them back then, as opposed to the 17 that they have now. However, despite having talked to them about how I felt about my actions, I still feel that both Amamiya-kun the eldest and youngest were still a bit annoyed at me?" Maruki said as Hiraguchi spoke up with a dry scoff.

"That's an understatement, Maruki-san! You tried to use them as pawns, and you literally held Amamiya the youngest hostage while chaining him to a wall! Of course he and Amamiya the eldest are still cheesed off at you. Especially considering you not only rewrote Sumire's cognition to make her think she was her deceased sister, but also used her to prevent her boyfriend and the others from changing your heart." Hiraguchi said as Maruki nodded his understanding before Shibusawa's wife spoke up for one of the few times she'd done so.

"You have a point, Hiraguchi-san. But at the same time, I can tell that Maruki-san feels bad about what he did already. So do we need to be making him feel worse? I mean, I trust Shibusawa to punish him enough for both of us. But even so, if the people he wronged, or at least some of them, can find it in their hearts to forgive him, then shouldn't we do the same?" Shibusawa's wife asked as Shibusawa and Maruki nodded as Hiraguchi sighed and spoke up.

"Yeah, you're right. Sorry, Takuto-san. It's just that it's still taking me some time to digest all of this, even though I already forgave you back in Osaka." Hiraguchi said as Maruki nodded and spoke up.

"It's alright. My actions were my own and I can't undo them. Still, it would be nice if, like what happened with Amamiya the elder, I could also be given an opportunity for some form of redemption." Maruki said as Shibusawa's wife spoke up.

"True, but you needed to go to some lengths to make that happen, Maruki-san. And something like that cannot appear so suddenly." Shibusawa's wife said as her husband then took note of the Tokyo Radio Tower and gasped as he noticed the tower's lights turn off as he spoke up.

"Uh, guys. Does that happen often?" Shibusawa asked as the others took note of the tower suddenly going out as Hiraguchi spoke up.

"Huh, how interesting. It's not every day that an attraction such as the Tokyo Radio Tower would lose power. I wonder if there's some sort of technical issue happening at the tower." Hiraguchi said but before any of them could reply verbally, all the buildings surrounding the Tokyo Tadio Tower also started to go out as the blackout then expanded across the area even going past where the group was standing. Shibusawa then spoke up.

"Uh, if that's really a technical issue, then why is all of Tokyo now in a blackout?" Shibusawa asked as his wife spoke up.

"Maybe there's some sort of accident that might have caused the blackout." Shibusawa's wife said as Maruki frowned and spoke up.

"I don't think so, something definitely isn't right here." Maruki said and as soon as soon as he finished his sentence, he and the rest of his companions gasped when the Tokyo Radio Tower started glowing blue and changing. After a bit, Hiraguchi spoke up in shock.

"Okay, that's not normal. What's happening to the tower?" Hiraguchi asked as a bright flash of light then began to expand from the tower and expand across the city, as the light was approaching the group, Maruki spoke up as he felt something that he hadn't felt in three and a half years.

"This feeling. It can't be. Is this what I think it is?" Maruki asked as the bright light ended up everyone's vision. When they could see again, they realized they were in different surroundings, as there were a lot of odd structures all around, and the Tokyo Radio Tower had transformed to resemble a tree, of all things. As everyone looked at their surroundings, Shibusawa spoke up.

"Okay, what the heck just happened? And why is the Tokyo Radio Tower now in the shape of a tree?" Shibusawa's wife asked as Maruki spoke up.

"Incredible! I didn't think I would end up back here again after all these years." Maruki said as Hiraguchi, Shibusawa, and Shibusawa's wife all turned to face Maruki as Hiraguchi spoke up.

"Wait, you know where are, Maruki-san?" Hiraguchi asked as Maruki spoke up after gasping.

"To be honest? Somewhere I didn't think was even accessible to the public anymore. But, given the fact that we saw a certain group not too long ago, as well as bearing witness to their calling card that was sent to Konoe-san, I guess I should've realized this sooner. We've officially entered into the Metaverse." Maruki said as Shibusawa, his wife, and Hiraguchi gasped, the latter speaking up.

"Wait, the Metaverse? As in the same place where you not only ended up rewriting reality, but also fought the Phantom Thieves? That Metaverse!?" Hiraguchi said as Maruki nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed, the very same. And if we're in the Metaverse, I'd bet good money that this involves that particular group somehow. And given that the Tokyo Radio Tower was the only thing that transformed, I'd surmise that whatever is going on is centered around that area." Maruki said as Shibusawa spoke up.

"Oh? If that's the case, then let's go check it out. If Amamiya the middle is there along with the other Phantom Thieves, then maybe we can try to help them." Shibusawa suggested as Maruki spoke up with a shake of his head.

"No can do, Shibusawa. As much as I don't want to do this, I will if it means keeping you guys safe. I'm sorry to say this but you, Hiraguchi-san, and your wife need to find somewhere safe and hide." Maruki said as Shibusawa's wife frowned and spoke up.

"Wait, what? Why? Is the Metaverse dangerous?" Shibusawa's wife asked as Maruki nodded and spoke up.

"Yes. It's extremely dangerous for one to be in the Metaverse if you don't have a Persona, which is essentially your other self that you can rely on when it comes to dealing with the various Shadows that roam about this place. And since none of you have Personas, wandering around would lead to one of you getting hurt or worse. I, on the other hand, do have a Persona of my own.

However, even I'm not sure if I still have access to it, let alone if it's even stable or reliable after it was damaged in my fight against Ren and his friends three and a half years ago. Thus, until I can confirm that I can still access my powers, let alone if they're stable and usable, I would prefer it if all of you stayed in a safe place to avoid being caught in the crossfire if my powers malfunction or lash out.

And in any case, I guess this could really be my chance to start making serious amends for what I did to the Phantom Thieves back then. So I need you three to trust me and retreat to somewhere safe. And when you do? I want you to hide and stay hidden until whatever this is has passed. With any luck, whatever this is won't affect any of you, and you can stay safe by staying out of sight." Maruki said as Hiraguchi spoke up.

"Perhaps, but what about you? It sounds like you're planning to put yourself at risk, Takuto-san. I know you've made mistakes recently, but are they really bad enough to justify you putting yourself in harm's way to correct them?" Hiraguchi asked as Maruki spoke up.

"I'm not putting myself in harm's way, Relena-san. I'm just doing what I can to try and make up for my mistakes. Now listen to me and go hide with the others. Once all this is over, we can discuss this more then." Maruki said as Hiraguchi seemed to hesitate briefly before she nodded and spoke up.

"Alright, I trust you. Just be careful out there." Hiraguchi said as Shibusawa spoke up.

"Agreed. If what you said is true, then this place looks like it means business." Shibusawa said as Maruki smiled and spoke up.

"Don't worry, if this goes right, it will be over before you know it. Now get going! We will up with each other later." Maruki said and after getting nods from his companions, Hirgauchi, Shibusawa, and his wife proceeded to make their way out of the area to find a safe place to hide, while Maruki steeled himself and spoke up once the others were out of earshot.

"Well, this is it. Time to see if my powers are still with me. And if they are, maybe I can use them to actually do some good." Maruki said as he started walking towards the Tokyo Radio Tower by himself...

(Meanwhile, around the same time as the previous scene, inside the newest Jail, with Joker, Mona, Skull, Panther, Fox, Queen, Oracle, Noir, Crow, Violet, Draconis, Seeker, Pendragon, Flare, Wolf, Seraphim, and Auburn)

As the group looked around the Jail they were currently in, Joker spoke up.

"Alright, listen up, everyone! I know we need to hurry up and stop EMMA, but I think we need to retreat for a bit so we can check for any last-minute requests that might have come in. In addition, I think we could do some extra preparations to ensure we're at our best for this final Jail. With that being said, does anyone object to us retreating for now and returning after we're more thoroughly prepared?" Joker asked and after a bit of silence, Crow spoke up.

"From the looks of it, I don't think anyone objects to your idea, Joker. And while it's true that Ichinose-san is hiding in here somewhere, she should be fine while we go and get our preparations in order, I think." Crow said sagely, getting a nod of agreement from Joker as the collective of the other Phantom Thieves shook their heads in response to Joker's previous question about objections, Joker then led everyone out of the Tokyo Radio Tower...

(Back outside of the Tokyo Radio Tower, in the RV, with Ren, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, Goro, Sumire, Kusa, Sophia, Sojiro, Shiho, Zenkichi, Nanako, and Akane)

Once everyone was back in the RV, they were surprised that upon going inside, they didn't change back to their regular clothes and that Sophia was still present physically and not on Sumire's phone. Kusa then spoke up.

"Huh, so I guess as long as we are in the RV, we will be safe since we're not in any danger?" Kusa asked as Morgana spoke up.

"That seems to be the case. This kinda reminds me of the safe rooms from our original run as Phantom Thieves." Morgana said as Sumire spoke up.

"Indeed. However, I can't help but notice that Sophia didn't end up going back into my phone. Not that I don't want her to go back into my phone, but I just can't help but notice that she's still with us while we are inside here." Sumire said as Sophia spoke up.

"If I have to guess, it must be due to the real world and the Metaverse merging. But I'm not complaining if it means that I get to be here physically for once for our meetings. And not only that, but the circumstances do allow me to be around you guys even more, especially you Morgana." Sophia said as she kissed Morgana on the cheek as he blushed as he spoke up.

"Uh, that's one way to shed some light on the situation, Lady Sophia. However, as much as I want to continue this, I think we should focus on what we should do next." Morgana said and as Sophia nodded in agreement with her boyfriend, Ren smiled and spoke up.

"Well said, Morgana. From what I can tell, there aren't that many requests this time around, so we should be able to wrap up this preparation session fairly quickly. In addition, I'm hoping to use this time to also get the rest of us to full power since I think the only ones who have not gotten their final skills as of yet are Zenkichi, Akane, Shiho, and Nanako. But for now, let's start by knocking out the few requests we do have, and then reassess our plans from there as needed." Ren said as the others nodded their agreement before heading back into the Jail of the Abyss, as there were three requests for that one Jail alone...

(A little while later, inside the Jail of the Abyss, with Joker, Mona, Skull, Panther, Fox, Queen, Oracle, Noir, Crow, Violet, Draconis, Seeker, Pendragon, Flare, Wolf, Seraphim, and Auburn)

After cleaning out the entirety of the 'Jail of The Abyss', including the stealth mission for the area, the group capped off the run by defeating the Dire Shadow of the area, which also went by the name of the 'Dark Sun', though Joker knew it to be a super-charged Mithras. From all the EXP gained during the Jail, Skull, Mona, Panther, Fox, Queen, Noir, Crow, Draconis, Pendragon, Flare, Seraphim, and Auburn all hit level 77, while Wolf hit level 78 and Joker, Oracle, and Violet all hit level 83. From the level-ups, Auburn gained access to the Severe-tier Gun skill 'Riot Gun', making her smile as she spoke up

"Whoa, sweet! Check out this new skill that I just got!" Auburn said as Seraphim giggled and spoke up.

"Not bad, Auburn. I think with that, you should be close to acquiring your final skill along with myself, your Dad, and Flare. And I must say, that skill is perfect for someone as gorgeous as you." Seraphim said coyly as Auburn blushed and spoke up.

"Stop it, Seraphim! Is now really the time for foreplay? Save it for when we're off the clock. And preferably not around impressionable ears like Seeker's." Auburn said as Violet nodded approvingly while a sheepish Seraphim apologized and was forgiven as Houdini acquired 'Riot Gun'.

While clearing enemies out in the Osaka Jail, Skull, Mona, Panther, Fox, Queen, Noir, Seeker, Pendragon, Draconis, Crow, Flare, Seraphim, and Auburn all hit level 78 while Wolf hit level 79, and Joker, Oracle, and Violet hit level 84. From the level-ups, Flare gained the Severe-tier Ice move 'Diamond Dust', making her smirk as she spoke up.

"All right! Looks like Hester has reached his peak! Check out this new skill!" Flare said as Panther smiled and spoke up.

"Very nice, Flare. You've finally gotten Hester's last level-up skill. Congrats." Panther said as Flare blushed tut thanked Panther, who kissed Flare in response as Hester acquired 'Diamond Dust'.

A little while later, while cleaning out every Shadow in the Osaka Jail, Skull, Mona, Panther, Fox, Queen, Noir, Seeker, Crow, Pendragon, Draconis, Flare, Seraphim, and Auburn hit level 79 while Joker, Oracle, and Violet hit level 85. The ensuing level-ups gave Seraphim access to the Severe-tier Elec skill 'Wild Thunder', making Seraphim smirk and speak up.

"Ooh, what's this? Looks to me like Sraosha has finally acquired his last skill, and in a very sexy, high-voltage sort of way no less. Mwehehe, so awesome!" Seraphim said slyly, making Violet blink at how almost sultry and/or seductive Seraphim had sounded with her brag before glaring at Oracle as she spoke up.

"ORACLE! I blame this on you! Seraphim's spent too long around you and picked up some of your more provocative level-up habits as a result." Violet said as Seeker giggled and spoke up.

"Was it really that provocative, though, Mom? I personally found it amusing. Then again, maybe it was provocative to some extent, considering that both Auburn and Oracle were left speechless for most of it. But I guess it's not surprising considering Auburn's attraction to Seraphim given their affection for one another. As for Oracle, I think Seraphim just awakens her inner curiosity about bisexuality.

To be honest, I think even Mona was a bit stunned, but maybe that's just the small part of him that had a short-lived crush on Seraphim talking. Either way, I find it adorable how quickly Mona started gaping at Seraphim when the two first met back in Kukojima. If not for the fact that I feel like you would strongly disapprove, I would say I want to be like either Oracle or Seraphim when I'm closer to adulthood." Seeker said honestly, making Joker chuckle at the wonderful fish impression Violet was currently doing before he gently used one hand to close Violet's mouth and spoke up.

"Hey now, beautiful. Let's not keep that sexy mouth of yours hanging open, yeah? You might catch flies in there, or possibly even my tongue, if you're not careful. You know how irresistible I find it when you do that, Violet." Joker said smoothly as Violet blushed and spoke up.

"Shut up, Joker! And why aren't you more surprised that our daughter seems to idolize Oracle and Seraphim!? I know she has to look up to someone, but out of everyone that's here, she chooses the two who are most likely to become glorified sex symbols in the future!? I'm not sure how I feel about that." Violet said as Wolf chuckled and spoke up.

"How do you think I feel, Violet? You forget, my daughter is Seraphim's girlfriend, so she gets a pretty up-close view of it when Seraphim's in a certain mood. So, I can relate to what you're going through right now. But at the same time, as long as you stay consistent with Seeker and try to be there for her, you should be able to keep her from going too wild when she's older." Wolf said sagely as Violet blinked before nodding understandingly while Auburn discreetly dragged Seraphim around the corner to make out with her as Sraosha acquired 'Wild Thunder'. A short time later, while fighting off a Treasure Demon, the ensuing EXP yield pushed Wolf to level 80, giving him access to the Severe-tier Almighty move 'Megidolaon', making him grin as he spoke up.

"Heh, a new skill. Looks like I've still got it." Wolf said as Pendragon spoke up.

"Not bad, Wolf. Somehow, I'm not surprised you'd get to the Severe tier of Almighty moves with your last level-up skill." Pendragon said as Crow spoke up for the first time in a while.

"Impressive, Wolf. However, let's not forget that while you and Oracle hit the Severe tier of Almighty moves, Draconis and I hit the Colossal tier. So we're ahead of the curve in that respect, I think." Crow said as Draconis huffed and spoke up.

"Get it right, Crow. You were the one who hit the Colossal tier. As for me, I managed to reach the elusive and highly coveted 'Massive' tier of Almighty damage thanks to 'Megi-Flare'. That being said, I can't help but notice that Auburn is the only one left to acquire a skill, as she was the last one to join us. But don't let that get you down, Auburn. I believe you're close to obtaining that final skill. So cheer up, alright?" Draconis said as Auburn could only smile and nod, due to having her lips being aggressively locked with Seraphim's in the midst of making out, drawing amused smirks from Oracle and Panther and a disapproving frown from Violet, who just shook her head and said nothing while Valjean acquired 'Megidolaon'.

As the group reached the starting point of the Osaka Jail while clearing out Shadows, Skull, Mona, Panther, Fox, Queen, Noir, Seeker, Crow, Draconis, Pendragon, Flare, Seraphim, and Auburn all hit level 80 while Joker, Oracle, and Violet hit level 86. The level-ups proved to be the most beneficial to Auburn, who unlocked the rare Severe-tier Curse skill 'Abyssal Wings', making her smirk as she spoke up.

"Sweet! Houdini's got a new skill! Who knew Draconis was right about it being so close? Either way, beware of his increased fury! Mwehehe!" Auburn said as Seraphim smirked and spoke up.

"Yep, I thought so. Smart, witty, and beautiful. You, my dear Auburn, are the complete package. Also, congrats on reaching your final level-up skill. But with that being said, I do believe that makes everyone aside from Joker who has all their level-up skills, and I feel like even he's close to having all his Personas reach their full array of skills. But we'll see what happens, I think. Either way, great job, Auburn." Seraphim said as Auburn blushed but nodded as she spoke up.

"Thanks, Seraphim. You're definitely a keeper, I think. Hee hee." Auburn said as she kissed Seraphim cutely on the cheek while Houdini acquired 'Abyssal Wings'. After fighting a bit more, Joker spoke up.

"Alright, I think that's all we can possibly do regarding requests. And as Seraphim stated earlier, since all of us aside from myself have acquired our final skills, I believe we have done enough for what could be our last preparation session. So with that being said, let's return to the RV and have one last break and meeting before we proceed with our infiltration of the final Jail." Joker said and as everyone nodded in agreement, they left the Osaka Jail and regrouped back at the RV after using EMMA to teleport them back to the hideout...

(Back in the real world, with Morgana, Sophia, Makoto, Haru, Ann, Ren, Sumire, Goro, Sojiro, Shiho, Ryuji, Futaba, Kusa, Zenkichi, Akane, Nanako, and Yusuke)

After everyone had reconvened in the RV and Ren had used the rather generous proceeds from the recent grind session to restock supplies and do some rather extensive Persona maintenance, Ren looked at the others and spoke up.

"Okay, now that we've taken a well-deserved break, I think we all know what time it is." Ren said as Futaba nodded and spoke up,

"Yep, we sure do! It's time for one last strategy meeting before we go take down this fake god!" Futaba said as Ann frowned and spoke up.

"Right, but before we start, don't you guys think it's weird being in the RV in our Phantom Thief gear?" Ann said as most of the others nodded before Shiho spoke up.

"Maybe a little, but it can't be any worse than the time we had to squat down in a giant bush with the others to avoid those crazed islanders back on Kukojima. Granted, Akane wasn't with us at the time, so she probably has no clue what I'm referring to right now. But otherwise, I think I'm not wrong to say that this isn't any more unusual than that situation was." Shiho said as Akane smiled and spoke up.

"You'd be right that I'm confused, Shiho. However, what you fail to realize is that Nanako and I don't keep secrets from one another for the most part. She already filled me in on that. And for the record? I blame that whole mess on Ryuji and Morgana trying to ignore a sacred warning and snoop around in a festoon like a pair of buffoons. Everyone who has done at least some research into those knows that those are some of the most sacred places to an islander, and that walking around on or in one of those areas is a good way to get yourself cursed.

Fortunately for you guys, you were able to avoid most of the curse thanks to not only Dad's quick thinking after overhearing some of the islanders, but also by ducking into the Jail in that area. Granted, most of it still came back to haunt you all anyway based on what you all told me earlier about Morgana and Sophia nearly losing their lives in that Jail. That being said, going back to what Ann has mentioned, I kinda like being able to wear our Metaverse gear in the real world. But maybe I'm a bit biased since Nanako's Thief outfit looks so dang sexy on her." Akane said slyly as Nanako blushed and spoke up.

"Can we stay focused right now, Akane? I'm flattered that you find me so irresistible, I really am. However, wouldn't you agree that we currently have a far more important problem in the form of a giant golden psycho trying to seize the Desires of all of mankind? Not to mention the fact that Ichinose nearly took Seeker from us on the orders of said giant golden psycho? In light of that, I would say that now is hardly the time for flirting, no matter how nice and appreciated said flirting might be." Nanako said gently but firmly as Akane winced but nodded as she apologized and was forgiven as Yusuke spoke up.

"Indeed. Our current situation could probably be best described as a refreshing juxtaposition. Not something we experience everyday, at least." Yusuke said as Kusa smirked and spoke up.

"A refreshing juxtaposition, you say? Now there's a word you don't hear every day. But you're not wrong, Yusuke." Kusa said as a smiling Sophia spoke up while happily leaning into Morgana, who was both happy and a bit embarrassed to have Sophia cuddled so close to him, much to Violet's amusement.

"You have a point, Uncle Kusa. Still, as I may have mentioned earlier, I never thought I'd be able to join you guys in the RV, much less be able to cuddle Morgana like this due to us still being in the Metaverse. Almost makes our timing for finally staking claim to one another somewhat, uhh, what was that fancy word I heard Yusuke use to describe karma once? I think he called it kismet?" Sophia said before blushing as she felt Morgana gently kiss her on the cheek and speak up while Yusuke merely nodded his head once in the affirmative to confirm that Sophia was right about him having used the word 'kismet' before.

"You know I enjoy holding you close to me like this, Lady Sophia. I really do. But, as I may have mentioned before, I do have to reluctantly point out that now isn't the time for us to be getting distracted by being able to hold one another close." Morgana said as Zenkichi nodded approvingly and spoke up.

"Well said, Morgana. I agree that we need to stay on track here, as we have to figure out our next move." Zenkichi said as Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"Right. The Metaverse is encroaching on reality itself. At this rate, it's gonna engulf the whole country." Morgana said as Haru nodded and spoke up.

"Good point, Mona-chan. And if that happens, that'll mean everyone will have their Desires stolen. We have to stop that at all costs." Haru said as Makoto spoke up with a frown.

"If we want to do that, we know our path forward to some extent. The only way we can stop the Metaverse from engulfing the whole country within the spreading encroachment is simple. We'll have to defeat EMMA in order to save the country." Makoto said as Ryuji frowned and spoke up.

"Yeah, babe! You're so right! So, if I had to guess, this big evil box is at the top of the Tokyo Radio Tower?" Ryuji asked as Sophia spoke up with a nod.

"Most likely. If nothing else, that's where the voice I heard earlier is coming from." Sophia said as Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"Good. Then let's grab what we need and get going. This is probably going to be our last battle, guys. So let's stay sharp!" Morgana said as Goro nodded and spoke up with a huff.

"I see. So it's come down to this, then. We're finally at the point where we confront the psychotic AI mastermind that is EMMA and either smack some reason into it, or eliminate it for the good of the entire country, let alone the entire world." Goro said as Sojiro spoke up with a smirk.

"Heh, couldn't have said it better myself, Goro. And between all seventeen of us, I think we've got a pretty damn good chance of beating that thing." Sojiro said as Kusa nodded before his eyes went wide as he looked out the window that was next to Sumire and then spoke up in surprise, the look on his face making it clear to everyone that Kusa was having a tough time believing what he was seeing.

"Uhh, guys? We're the only ones who can keep our minds in the encroached Metaverse due to the influence of EMMA, right?" Kusa asked as Sumire spoke up.

"That seems to be the case. Why do you ask?" Sumire asked as Kusa spoke up not initially noticing the shocked reactions to what he said next because he was so focused on what he said as he spoke.

"Well, if we were supposed to be the only ones not affected, then why the hell do I see several figures approaching the RV who look very much unaffected by EMMA's influence?" Kusa asked, making virtually everyone blink at Kusa's words before Ren turned to look out the front door and gasped as he spoke up.

"No way! Kusa's right! And if not for the fact that the last time I checked, all of them were supposed to be back in Kyoto at that hot-springs hotel that Mitsuru-san got for both groups, I'd swear that some of the Investigation Team and Shadow Operatives are now here." Ren said as Nanako spoke up with a surprised look on her face. Ren said as Nanako spoke up with a surprised look on her face.

"Wait, really? Let me see." Nanako said as she gently pushed Ren aside to see for herself before she smiled and spoke up.

"Ren and Kusa are right. That IS some of the Investigation Team and Shadow Operatives. From the look of it, it sounds like those two groups saw EMMA's power play on the news and decided to help out. After all, why else would Big Bro, Big Sis, Yosuke, Naoto, Aigis, Akihiko, Koromaru, and Fuuka be coming this way?" Nanako said as the others shrugged and moved aside so that they could make room for the rest of the group as Ren then opened up the RV door just as Yu was about to knock much to the latter and his companion's surprise. Ren smiled and spoke up.

"Well, this is a pleasant surprise. Nice to see you guys again." Ren said as Yu chuckled and spoke up.

"The same can be said for all of you as well, although I wish it were under different circumstances." Yu said as Kusa spoke up.

"What brings the eight of you here? And where are the other members of your respective groups?" Kusa asked as Akihiko spoke up.

"It's probably better if we discuss our reasons for coming here inside." Akihiko said as Naoto spoke up.

"Is there any room left in your RV for us?" Naoto asked as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"We should have a little bit more room for you all. And it's probably for the best that we talk inside instead of outside due to the possibility of Shadows appearing." Ren said as Aigis spoke up.

"I agree. Thank you for your hospitality, Ren-kun." Aigis said as Ren chuckled and spoke up.

"Normally I would correct you by reminding you of the importance of calling me by my codename while we're in the Metaverse, Aigis-san. Fortunately for you, I don't see a need to do so in this case since we are just going to be talking in the RV. Therefore, you guys are fine with calling myself and my friends by our regular names for now." Ren said as he let Yu's group into the RV one by one.

And after some reunions between the Persona-users, everyone was seated once more, with Koromaru comfortably lying down with his head laid on Kusa's feet, Akihiko leaning on the wall to Zenkichi's right, and Yu standing up next to Akane and Nanako while Fuuka ended up finding a spot on the bottom bunk with Akane and Nanako after the latter scooted closer to the former to make room for Fuuka.

Aigis settled for standing against the wall to Akihiko's left, while Yosuke leaned on the edge of the bunk beds to Fuuka's right and Naoto ended up leaning against the wall to Yosuke's right. Rise, for her part, had a seat on Akane's left, sitting her next to Yu as Fuuka smiled and spoke up.

"I must admit, you guys do have a nice place for your base of operations." Fuuka said as Haru giggled and spoke up.

"Why, thank you, Fuuka-san. This RV did serve us well throughout our travels across Japan." Haru said as Rise spoke up.

"You guys are definitely known for doing things with style. However, it is a bit cramped in here considering the number of people." Rise said as Yosuke sighed and spoke up.

"No kidding. I'm glad that Teddie is not with us, because given his bear suit, there would more than likely not be enough room for all of us to fit." Yosuke said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Well said, Yosuke-kun. But I think it's best if we get down to business." Ren said as Makoto spoke up.

"Agreed. I'm guessing that you are here because you all found out about what's happening at the Tokyo Radio Tower?" Makoto asked as Yu nodded and spoke up.

"Correct. Both mine and Mitsuru's groups have noticed what's happening at the tower on the news. After taking note of the situation, as well as the large amounts of Shadow activity in that area, we have not only concluded that the real world and Shadow World are about to merge once again, but also deduced that this is somehow connected with EMMA, considering that her servers were located there. Thus, we knew we had to hurry up and help out." Yu said as Sumire frowned and spoke up.

"I guess that makes sense when you think about it. But that doesn't explain why you guys are here with us instead of helping out Mitsuru and the others." Sumire said as Yu spoke up.

"That's because, after discussing it with Mitsuru and the rest of our teammates, we decided to split up to help assist you guys. Regarding Mitsuru and the rest of our teammates, they are currently stationed in nearby areas close to the Tokyo Radio Tower to not only deal with any stray Shadows that end up trying to leave the area, but also to block people from getting into the tower as best they can.

And with Mitsuru leading them, I think they have things well in hand for the most part. Meanwhile, I believe that you guys will likely need all the help you can get if you're going to hope to have a favorable shot at stopping what I assume is EMMA. Thus, this brings me to asking you guys a very important question. Do any of you have any objections to the eight of us joining up with you guys temporarily to help bring EMMA down?" Yu said as Nanako gasped and spoke up.

"Wait, hold on, are you seriously asking if the eight of you can become temporary Phantom Thieves, Big Bro!?" Nanako asked, her eyes widened slightly in shock from what Yu had asked. Rise giggled and spoke up with a nod.

"That's right, Nanako-chan. Since Yu saw the news report on TV that explained some of what was going on and after he finished watching it, he believed that you guys could use the extra manpower." Rise said as Akihiko spoke up.

"Although I was surprised that Yu chose me to be a part of this group, I'm not complaining if it means a good chance to hone my skills as well as fight alongside Amamiya the youngest. And while some of the others were merely chosen by Yu due to their more diverse set of skills, I was told by him shortly after we left the hotel that the reason why he enlisted Koromaru was more or less a 'punishment', presumably connected to what he did to Morgana during the rematch we just finished recently." Akihiko said as Morgana shuddered in horror at the reference to how Koromaru had disrespected him after beating him. Sophia frowned at Akihiko and spoke up.

"While I'm glad Koromaru is being punished for that, did you really have to remind Morgana of that? I think what Koromaru did to him after beating him may have slightly traumatized him." Sophia said as Sojiro spoke up.

"Can you blame him, though? I think any of us would be traumatized if we had a dog lift their hind leg and mark their territory on our face. So I don't blame Morgana at all for being traumatized by that." Sojiro said firmly as Koromaru frowned at this, his head drooping as he gave off a low whine, almost as if trying to articulate an apology of sorts. Kusa smirked and lightly scratched behind Koromaru's ears as he spoke up while trying to cheer up Koromaru.

"Oh? Should we take that as an 'I'm sorry', then, Koromaru? If so, that's quite admirable of you to apologize. However, that's up to Morgana to decide whether or not to forgive you for what you did, since he was the one you wronged. But I'm sure you were just excited and acted in the heat of the moment when you defeated him." Kusa said as Morgana sighed and spoke up.

"I really should be mad at him for that, but at the same time, I can't really say that it was undeserved by me. And I say this purely on the basis that I did taunt him beforehand. So, I guess if he can apologize for what he did, then I should do the same. Sorry for taunting you earlier, Koromaru. It was kind of a subconscious instinct. But if you can forgive me for taunting you, then I suppose it's only fair that I can forgive you for humiliating me, even if it takes Lady Sophia here a bit longer to do so.

After all, she loves me, and that had to have infuriated her to see, or more likely hear from others, that you go to the bathroom on my face. Can you try not to do that from now on, Koromaru?" Morgana asked as Koromaru walked over with a bark and gently rubbed his head against Morgana's palm as if to convey that all was forgiven as far as he was concerned, and to apologize for what he did. Sophia sighed before she gently scratched behind Koromaru's ears and spoke up.

"I guess I forgive you too, Koromaru. I was only mad at you because not only did you defeat Morgana, but you also humiliated him on top of it. And I guess if I really think about it, I suppose you would have been angry too if one of the girls from the Shadow Operatives had their faces peed on like you did to Morgana." Sophia said as Koromaru wagged his tail happily and gently licked Sophia's palm, making Morgana frown and speak up.

"Hey, hey! Watch where you put that tongue, Koromaru! That's my girlfriend whose palm you're licking, after all!" Morgana said as Fuuka spoke up in surprise.

"Wait, so you and Sophia-chan are actually dating now, Morgana!? That's a surprise. But I suppose it does make sense that you two would be drawn to each other. And if Yosuke-kun can find himself crushing on a robot girl like Labrys, then it's not that unusual for a cat-turned-human like Morgana to fall in love with an amnesiac AI like Sophia-chan who is stuck in the body of a little girl." Fuuka said as Aigis spoke up.

"Indeed. I'm guessing this development happened shortly after we last saw each other?" Aigis asked as Kusa nodded and spoke up.

"Yep. Shortly after we arrived here near the Tokyo Radio Tower, we were forced into a Jail by EMMA, and we later found out about her goal to grant humanity's true Desire by becoming a god. We also got into a confrontation with Kuon Ichinose, who was hired by EMMA to stop us by having her turn Sophia against us." Kusa said as the members of the Investigation Team and Shadow Operatives gasped as Yosuke spoke up while in shock.

"She did WHAT!?" Yosuke asked as Naoto spoke up with a look of horror on her face.

"Are you trying to say that the creator of EMMA used Sophia against all of you? That doesn't make any sense at all." Naoto said as Goro spoke up.

"Well, according to what we recently learned, it turns out that Ichinose-san was also the one who created Sophia. However, after failing to understand the heart, Ichinose-san tossed her aside and ended up creating EMMA instead. But the point of the matter is that at the time, Ichinose-san was dead set on helping EMMA and resorted to using her original creation to subdue us." Goro said as Aigis frowned and spoke up.

"That's horrible. It almost reminds me of the time when I was used by Ikutsuki-san to subdue my friends during our time as S.E.E.S. But I guess Sophia was able to break out of Ichinose-san's control, seeing as she is still here with us. Nevertheless, it must have been very difficult for all of you to fight your friend." Aigis said as Sumire nodded and spoke up.

"It was. And while we were able to snap Sophia out of her controlled state, she ended up sacrificing herself by falling into an abyss to prevent herself from carrying out Ichinose's orders. All of us at the time assumed the worst, and due to our current state, Ichinose-san was able to blast us with a powerful laser that came from a crystal she obtained from EMMA. Consequently, all of us ended up falling into the same pit that Sophia fell into." Sumire said as Ren spoke up.

"Luckily, we were able to survive, and Sophia only ended up unconscious after she fell earlier. But we knew that we had to keep going and stop Ichinose, as well as EMMA. So we ended up traversing back up to the same place where we last saw Ichinose-san and while a majority of us confronted the AI researcher, Kusa, Morgana, and Sojiro ended up being the ones to keep an eye on Sophia." Ren said as Morgana spoke up.

"This all goes back to what Fuuka and Aigis were asking earlier. As Ren and the others were confronting Ichinose, I finally expressed my feelings towards Lady Sophia. This resulted in her not only waking up from her unconscious state but also giving her the opportunity to reciprocate her own feelings towards me. And thus, we then had our first kiss." Morgana said as Rise smiled and spoke up.

"Wow, that must've been so romantic. And I must say that your situation reminds me of when Teddie used to try to make moves on Nanako-chan all the time when she was younger, albeit with the difference that you actually succeeded. Granted, I lost count of how many times I had to keep Yu from having Yosuke check if Junes stocks bear traps just so he could Teddie-proof his house after around the thirtieth or so time. And that's not even talking about how many times one of us had to elbow or nudge Teddie to stop him from making a comment that would get him arrested by Dojima-san. But the point is, you two make for a rather interesting, and also a very cute, couple." Rise said as Sophia smiled and spoke up.

"Thank you, Rise-san. Although the circumstances before that were a dark time for me, I was glad that Morgana was able to tell me how he felt. And despite his usual habits, I wouldn't change a thing about him." Sophia said as Nanako blushed in embarrassment from what Rise mentioned about Teddie making moves on her prior to the current discussion and spoke up.

"While I also support Morgana and Sophia finally getting together, did you have to bring up the matter of Teddie making moves on me, Big Sis? Sure, most of it was cute, but waking up to Teddie having fallen asleep next to me or cuddling me on occasion? Not so cute. And I'm not even going to get into some of the weirder, more pervy things I've caught him doing over the years. Granted, I'm inclined to blame some of them on Yosuke-kun, since I know for a fact that I've seen Teddie reading some of Yosuke's more adult magazines. I mean, I understand that I'm a beautiful woman and that Teddie's always had something of a soft spot for me, but he looks closer to Big Bro's age than anything else.

Besides, I always saw him as more of an older brother than anything. Sure, there might have been a very brief period of time about four or five years ago when I had a teensy bit of a crush on Teddie. But I quickly got over it after I realized that he was basically creeping on me and trying to stake a claim to me in his weird bear-like sort of way. And really, it worked out for the best. I got over that short-lived crush I had on him, and I was also able to move on to even better things, especially since I'm happy with Akane now. Surprisingly so, even.

Before I came here and met the others, I had serious doubts that I would ever have found this kind of happiness with a woman, let alone end up with a beautiful girlfriend whom I love." Nanako said as Akane smiled and slid her hand into Nanako's, making her smile as she gently held Akane's hand briefly, while Akihiko frowned and spoke up.

"I see. So you're saying Teddie might be a bit of a creeper then? Because even if he was just trying to be friendly, you were way too young at that point for him to be doing anything like that with you. And he's lucky that Yu never found out about it until now, since I have a feeling that he might be tempted to drag Teddie to a private place and have a 'chat' with him about what is and what isn't okay to do around his little cousin. Which, if I have to guess, would probably involve rope, tape, and possibly either a knife or a shotgun." Akihiko said as Yu smirked and spoke up.

"In other words, you think I would have tortured and/or neutered Teddie? Interesting suggestion, Akihiko. But, luckily for him, Marie told me in no uncertain terms that I could not cause any harm to Teddie since she somehow likes him and wants him in one piece. However, you're not wrong that I would make him suffer for it if he ever actually did anything to hurt or traumatize Nanako." Yu said bluntly as Fuuka giggled and spoke up.

"That's so sweet that you care so much about Nanako-chan that you're willing to go to such lengths to protect her, Yu-kun." Fuuka said as Rise smiled and spoke up.

"Oh, you have no idea how much Yu cares about his cousin, Fuuka-san. Have you forgotten that he literally led the Investigation Team on a mission where we fought our way through the manifestation of Heaven itself and beat the crap out of an old deliveryman who had kidnapped his cousin in order to 'save' her, whatever that means, all so that we could actually rescue Nanako-chan? Because if that doesn't show brotherly love, even though those two are technically cousins, I don't know what is. But in hindsight, I have no doubts that Yu would go to the depths of hell itself in order to save Nanako-chan if he had to." Rise said as Akihiko nodded approvingly and spoke up while crossing his arms.

"As he should. Yu's a true man, for sure." Akihiko said as Sumire spoke up for the first time in a while.

"Uhh, that's all well and good, but aren't we supposed to be stopping EMMA right now?" Sumire asked as Yu spoke up.

"As much as I want to agree with Sumire-san, I am still curious about what happened regarding your confrontation with Ichinose-san." Yu said as Naoto spoke up.

"Yu's right. You never told us what happened with her after you guys confronted her for the second time." Naoto said as Ren spoke up.

"Well, as I mentioned earlier, while Kusa, Morgana, and Sojiro were busy tending to Sophia, the rest of us were trying to stop Ichinose and shut down her laser." Ren said as Futaba spoke up.

"While everyone was busy dealing with a wave of Shadows that Ichinose sent after us, I was busy trying to hack into the lasers frequently and shut it down." Futaba said as Zenkichi spoke up.

"However, Ichinose was able to catch on to what was happening and set up a barrier around the crystal to prevent Futaba from hacking it. And by the time we were finished with all the Shadows, the laser was just about to fire at us again as Joker tried to shield us from the blast." Zenkichi said as Kusa spoke up.

"Even though I wasn't there for this part, that laser would've obliterated Ren. And that would've been the case, if not for a certain someone who was able to intercept the blast just in the nick of time." Kusa said as he turned towards Sophia followed by everyone else as she spoke up.

"I was able to sense that my Dad was in trouble, so I quickly moved into the next room alongside Uncle Kusa, Morgana, and Sojiro, and I was able to save him from the laser's blast. What followed was an intense conversation with Ichinose, during which we learned more about her past. We found out from her that she had shut down her emotions because she lost her parents, and as a result of Ichinose cutting off her feelings, everyone around her thought that she was nothing more than a heartless doll, which she herself had ended up believing. Due to this, she then created me to help her understand the heart, but since I wasn't able to understand the concept at the time, Ichinose cast me aside and ended up creating EMMA instead." Sophia said as Naoto spoke up.

"I see. So Ichinose-san created something to help her understand the heart but failed because she created something similar to herself, right?" Naoto asked as Sophia nodded and spoke up.

"Correct, but going back to the confrontation, Ichinose was dead set on following what EMMA wants, so she ended up commanding me to once again kill my friends. But through my willpower, I fought back against my orders as I was finally able to understand what it means to have a heart, which is the power to change. Even though Ichinose created me to follow commands, I was able to change throughout my time with the Phantom Thieves, and by using all that I've learned, I was able to break free from Ichinose's hold on me. And as a result of all that, I was able to awaken to an actual Persona." Sophia said as the Investigation Team and Shadow Operatives all gasped in shock as Aigis spoke up.

"Incredible! So there really was still some power left inside of you that wasn't able to be unleashed until now. And your Awakening to your true Persona was able to bring out your full potential." Aigis said as Sophia nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed. With Pithos now becoming my new Persona, which is now Pandora, I was able to achieve my true strength as we ended up successfully defeating Ichinose and shut down her laser. Afterwards, I ended up having another talk with Ichinose as I was able to make her see the truth of the concept of having a heart. In truth, her cutting herself from her emotions and society has ended up causing her to feel lonely.

Thus, I told her that I wanted to help her overcome that loneliness by leading her on the right path. And even though I recognize Sumire as my Mom, I also consider Ichinose to be my Mom as well given that she was the one who created me. Thus, even though she had no Shadow, I ended up changing Ichinose's heart and making her see the error of her ways." Sophia said as she finished her story as the Persona-users from the Investigation Team and Shadow Operatives were stunned by the ending to that story. Fuuka then spoke up.

"Wow! That was an incredible story. I didn't think it would end up leading to this outcome." Fuuka said as Yosuke smirked and spoke up.

"No kidding. The fact that an AI such as Sophia was able to change her creator's ways is quite impressive." Yosuke said as Naoto spoke up.

"Agreed. However, I can't help but notice something. If all of you were able to convince Ichinose-san to switch back to our side, shouldn't she be here with us?" Naoto asked as Akihiko spoke up.

"Naoto has a good point. I'm guessing you guys left that Jail with Ichinose-san in tow, but what happened afterwards? Did she leave you guys or something?" Akihiko asked as Kusa spoke up.

"Not exactly, she's still in the area. It's just that since she was with us when the Metaverse and the real world started to encroach on each other, we didn't want to take chances with her coming with us for our final infiltration in regards to her possibly getting hurt by Shadows. Thus, we told her to hide somewhere that's safe." Kusa said as Yu nodded and spoke up.

"Fair enough. I guess we will take that as a sign of her potentially being an ally then. But I suppose now we should focus on getting back on track to stopping EMMA. That is, assuming you're okay with letting the eight of us join you?" Yu asked as Ren spoke up

"I'd have to run it by the others, but I don't think anyone will object to you guys joining up with us for the duration of this final Jail. However, if we agree to this, the eight of you will likely need to be given temporary code names, since that's a hard and fast rule we go by in the Phantom Thieves. When it comes to new recruits, they must have a code name when infiltrating the Metaverse." Ren said as Naoto frowned and spoke up.

"Uh, do we really have to do this?" Naoto asked as Goro smirked and spoke up.

"Sorry, Shirogane-san. But if you and the rest of your friends insist on joining us, then you must follow our team's way of doing things." Goro said as Ren spoke up.

"Goro's right. The codenames were a precaution put in by Morgana way back when it was just him, myself, Ryuji, and Kusa in the Phantom Thieves doing our first Palace infiltration as a group. His logic for this was that there was no knowing what effect yelling our real names might have on our targets' cognition. Also, Morgana added that code names sounded cooler than just yelling our real names all the time." Ren said with a smirk as Kusa nodded and spoke up.

"Yep that sounds like Morgana's logic, all right. Though I'll be honest, I have no clue what would be good code names for any of these guys." Kusa said. Sophia spoke up at that point.

"Well, while you guys figure out code names and stuff, allow me to point one thing out. Despite everything else going on, it looks like I can still access the online shop, so at least we have that going for us. As such, just let me know if you need some supplies." Sophia said as Ren smirked and spoke up.

"You do realize I've already made use of that a few times since we came back here, right Sophia?" Ren said as Sophia blinked for a moment before speaking up.

"Oh, right, I forgot about that. Sorry, Dad." Sophia said as Ren spoke up.

"It's alright, sweetie. But going back to the code names situation, do all of you agree to be given temporary codenames for this Jail infiltration?" Ren asked as Yu spoke up.

"Give me a minute to discuss this with my group." Yu said and after a confirmation nod from Ren, the leader of the Investigation Team took his group outside the RV to discuss the matter. After a minute had passed, they came back in as Yu spoke up again.

"Okay. After some conversing, we agree to be given code names for this mission." Yu said as Ryuji smiled and spoke up.

"Sweet. Now we just have to come up with eight different code names and then we will be set." Ryuji said as Ren spoke up.

"Alright then, if that's the case, let's get brainstorming on some code names. Does anyone have any ideas for one of our new recruits?" Ren asked as Sumire spoke up, having gotten an idea for Koromaru's code name.

"Well, I can't speak for possible code names for Yu, Rise, Yosuke, Naoto, Akihiko, Aigis, or Fuuka, but how about 'Buchi' as a code name for Koromaru? After all, I seem to recall that he has a lot in common with Buchiko, which 'Buchi' would be short for, assuming you're familiar with that story?" Sumire suggested as Fuuka smiled and spoke up.

"Oh, you mean the dog who stayed by his masters' side after his death and waited for him to come back, eventually wasting away while waiting? And if the stories are true, even after his death, Buchiko's spirit supposedly still continued his vigil of waiting for his master's return. That dog was so loyal to his master, not unlike Koromaru. After his old master passed, he continued watching over the shrine at Tatsumi Port Island as a guardian of sorts. It was only after we adopted him into S.E.E.S that he stopped keeping vigil over the shrine. So I could see that working rather well for Koro-chan as a code name." Fuuka said agreeably as Koromaru barked once, as if giving an affirmative response to 'Buchi' as his code name. At that point, Joker spoke up.

"In that case, all in favor of 'Buchi' as Koromaru's code name?" Joker asked as virtually everyone else who was a Phantom Thief raised their hands in agreement at the same time, and even the other Investigation Team and Shadow Operatives members raised their hands in agreement. Ren smirked and spoke up.

"Seems like it's unanimous, then. Congratulations, Koromaru. Going forward, you'll be 'Koromaru' in the real world and 'Buchi' in the Metaverse. Moving on, I suppose the next one to decide on a code name would be Yu." Ren said as Yu nodded and spoke up

"That's fine, but before anyone calls out ideas, I'm going to outright say that I REFUSED to be called 'Kingpin'. I've grown to dislike that name since the time of the P-1 Grand Prix." Yu said in which at that point, Rise giggled and spoke up.

"Ooh, what about 'Sensei'? After all, everyone on the Investigation Team was calling him that after a while thanks to Teddie." Rise said as Nanako frowned and spoke up.

"That's possible, but I feel like Kusa in particular would veto it, along with possibly Yusuke. As I recall, Ren once mentioned how Kusa used to call Morgana 'Sensei' a lot during his group's first run as Phantom Thieves. And supposedly, Yusuke always called the group's second target 'Sensei' before the group saved him from a terrible life. So as much as I like that you had a suggestion for Big Bro's code name, I feel like both Yusuke and Kusa wouldn't agree with calling Big Bro 'Sensei' as a code name. But I think all of us appreciate the input, Big Sis." Nanako pointed out as Rise pouted but spoke up with a nod.

"Fair enough. I thought it was a good idea." Rise said as Yosuke smirked and spoke up.

"It is a good idea, Rise. You just failed to consider the possibility of it being something that would trigger some of the group, that's all. That said, why don't we call Yu 'Ronin' for his code name? After all, he uses a samurai sword like a ronin, and he has a strong enough fierceness and warrior spirit that he fights like one. If nothing else, both Namatame and Adachi can vouch for this after seeing Yu fight when we fought both of them in the TV World back in 2011." Yosuke suggested as Kusa blinked at this and spoke up.

"Does Yu seriously use a samurai sword?" Kusa asked as Yu nodded and spoke up.

"That's correct. I'm surprised you didn't take notice during the bouts that we had. Partly thanks to Yosuke, I ended up drawn to samurai swords/katanas as my main weapon during my time leading the Investigation Team." Yu said as Kusa grinned and spoke up.

"Dang, that's seriously badass, Yu. If not for the fact that you probably won't have specialized Metaverse attire while working with us, I'd say you would probably look sick wielding a samurai sword." Kusa said in respect as Goro smirked and spoke up.

"Agreed. If nothing else, I got a very strong 'do not cross me!' vibe off of Yu when he fought Ren before. So I think it's safe to say that Yu is not someone we want as an enemy." Goro said wisely as Yu spoke up.

"Well observed, Goro. And Yosuke? I agree with your suggestion. But I suppose we should let the others vote on it, like they did for Koromaru." Yu said as Ren spoke up.

"Agreed. All in favor of 'Ronin' being Yu's code name going forward?" Ren asked as every one of the others raised their hands in agreement, or in Koromaru's case, barked in the affirmative. At that point, Ren smirked at Yu and spoke up.

"Sounds like it's unanimous, then. Congratulations, Yu. Going forward, you will be known as 'Yu' in the real world and 'Ronin' in the Metaverse." Ren said as Yu nodded and spoke up.

"Fair enough. Now, who do we focus on next?" Yu said as Rise giggled and spoke up.

"Why don't we focus on Akihiko next, since he'll probably be the toughest one to put a good code name to?" Rise suggested as the others nodded and Naoto spoke up.

"Hmm. Well, given how prone Akihiko is to punching things and how revered his skills are by most people, what about 'Legend' for his code name?" Naoto suggested as Akihiko spoke up with a frown.

"That is good, but I feel like it's a bit too on-point in describing me. Also, I feel like there are better code names." Akihiko said as Goro spoke up with a smirk.

"Heh, looks like Naoto-san got shot down. At least you tried, I suppose." Goro said as Naoto huffed and spoke up.

"Oh, shut up. I don't see you offering suggestions that much, Goro." Naoto pointed out as Goro spoke up.

"Good point. Hmm, well, what about 'Pugilist' then? Akihiko is a boxer and all, and I've heard the term 'pugilist' used to describe boxers multiple times in the past." Goro said as Kusa spoke up.

"That's pretty good, but I'm pretty sure the term 'pugilist' isn't used to describe champions. However, if Akihiko likes it, I won't object." Kusa said as Akihiko spoke up.

"Goro's suggestion is a good one. But I agree with Kusa's logic, and have to regretfully veto that idea due to the argument Kusa made against it." Akihiko said as Goro shrugged and spoke up.

"Fair enough. At least now Naoto can't say that I haven't contributed to all of this." Goro said as Ren smirked and spoke up.

"Actually, talking about Kusa, I just had an idea for Akihiko's code name. Considering how hard he and Kusa were swinging at each other during their bout against each other, what about 'Bruiser' for Akihiko's code name? After all, Kusa himself even said that he'd probably have bruises from where Akihiko punched him later. Granted, he hasn't had any bruises show up yet, but it was still a pretty funny remark. Thus, I'm inclined to suggest 'Bruiser' as Akihiko's code name because of it." Ren said as Kusa spoke up with an unimpressed-sounding sort of huff.

"That was a joke, Ren. Also, if anyone's a bruiser here, it's me. Ask Ryuji, and he'll vouch for that. After all, since his poor face ended up being badly bruised from when I decked him earlier after that one incident all those years ago, it proves that I can bruise people pretty well." Kusa said as Ryuji winced and spoke up.

"He's not wrong. Fortunately, that bruise finally faded fairly recently, but it was there for quite a while." Ryuji said as Akihiko smirked and spoke up.

"To be honest? I kinda like Ren's suggestion. Not only can I see myself rocking the name 'Bruiser' quite well, but it reminds me of when I was younger in terms of how I used to joke around with some friends about giving each other bruises due to how often we roughhoused with one another." Akihiko said as Fuuka spoke up with a smile.

"Ah, yes. You're referring to Aragaki-san, right? I know you and he were rather close when he was alive." Fuuka said as Akihiko nodded and spoke up.

"Correct, Fuuka. But now isn't the time for trips down memory lane." Akihiko said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Quite right. But if you agree with my suggestion, then let's put it to a vote. All in favor of 'Bruiser' as Akihiko's code name?" Ren said as much like with Koromaru and Yu, everyone raised their hands up in agreement, aside from Koromaru, who instead barked in the affirmative to voice his agreement. Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Sounds like it's unanimous. Congratulations, Akihiko. Going forward, you will be 'Akihiko' in the real world and 'Bruiser' in the Metaverse." Ren said as Akihiko nodded and crossed his arms approvingly as Nanako smiled and spoke up.

"Since we seem to be alternating back and forth between the Shadow Operatives and Investigation Team, let's figure out another code name from the Investigation Team. Maybe we could focus on Yosuke next?" Nanako said conversationally, getting an amused nod and smile from Yosuke that had her turning away in embarrassment as Akane giggled and leaned in to whisper into Nanako's ear.

"Ooh, what's this? Feeling shy around your brother's friend, Nanako?" Akane said as Nanako blushed and spoke up.

"No. I just forgot how handsome he is, that's all. And yes, before you ask, I also used to have a crush on Yosuke when I was younger. But to be fair, can you blame me? He's handsome, kind, and funny. What's not to like about him?" Nanako said as Akane giggled and spoke up.

"That's fair. I can see you having your first little puppy love experience with Yosuke. But at least you chose to date me in the end, so all's well that ends well." Akane said slyly as Nanako nodded as Yusuke spoke up at that point, managing to unknowingly draw everyone's attention away from Nanako shyly kissing Akane in appreciation of her attempts at reassuring her and onto him while he spoke.

"Well, if we're picking out Yosuke's code name, there's only one acceptable option. His code name should be 'Shinobi'. After all, he fights with the fluidity, efficiency, and professionalism of a ninja. Plus, as someone who also wields the power of a Susano-o, or used to wield in my case, I can sense that Yosuke has a strong warrior's spirit inside him. Plus, I just feel like 'Shinobi' is very appropriate for him as a code name from an aesthetic sort of standpoint." Yusuke said as Yosuke smirked and spoke up.

"Shinobi, huh? I like it. But I suppose we should put it to a vote, for the sake of observing formalities and stuff." Yosuke said as Ren nodded his agreement and spoke up.

"Agreed. All in favor of 'Shinobi' as Yosuke's code name?" Ren asked as everyone raised their hands in agreement, or in Koromaru's case, barked in the affirmative. Ren then spoke up with a smirk.

"Seems like it's unanimous. Congratulations on getting yourself a code name, Yosuke. Henceforth, you will go by 'Yosuke' in the real world and 'Shinobi' in the Metaverse." Ren said as Yosuke nodded and spoke up.

"Fair enough. I can get behind that." Yosuke said before turning to slyly grin at Nanako as he kept speaking.

"Also, don't be embarrassed that you think I'm handsome, Nanako-chan. I get that a lot. Not only that, but I think it's adorable you had a small crush on me. If nothing else, you could've done worse for your first crush, such as having your first crush be Teddie, or even Yu." Yosuke said as Yu huffed and spoke up, pointedly not thinking about Nanako's 'confession' to him when he'd left Inaba to return home back in 2012 as he spoke.

"First of all, ew Yosuke! That's incest! Secondly, please don't wind my cousin up like that, partner. Sure, I would've probably approved of it had you two wound up dating, but that's not to say that Nanako's dad would have also approved. Besides, you already have someone else you're basically dating at the moment anyway in the form of a certain Anti-Shadow weapon whom I heard you and Teddie jokingly refer to as a 'robot waifu' once." Yu said as Yosuke blushed at being called out on his feelings for Labrys as Futaba smirked and spoke up.

"Oh? Yosuke uses the term 'waifu' as well, does he? Maybe he and Kusa have more in common than I thought, then? Mwehehe." Futaba said as Kusa spoke up.

"Don't tease me, Taba. Also, I only said that once, and that was just to bust Ren's balls a bit since he was looking rather cozy with his girlfriend at the time. As I recall, that was the day Ren serenaded Sumire with his reading voice on the train to school." Kusa said as Sumire blushed and spoke up.

"HEY! Don't bring that up, Kusa! And in my defense, of course I was going to be relaxed. Ren was the one reading, and his reading voice is so soothing and sexy." Sumire said as Sophia giggled and spoke up.

"Oh? So you're saying Dad has a very relaxing voice then, Mom? I wonder if he'd do well in one of those recordings where people record sound effects that are intended to be relaxing. What was it called again? ASDF?" Sophia asked as Futaba smirked and spoke up.

"That's part of the 'home keys' in typing, Sophia. You were thinking of 'ASMR', I believe. But somehow, I get the feeling Sumire wouldn't want Ren doing something like that unless it was for her." Futaba said as Ren and Sumire blushed and spoke up.

"SHUT UP, FUTABA!" Ren and Sumire said as the former kept speaking.

"And moving right along, I think we were going to focus on another Shadow Operative next? Would Fuuka or Aigis like to volunteer to go next?" Ren asked as Fuuka spoke up.

"I suppose I should go next and get my code name out of the way. Besides, I don't think Aigis will mind being the last one to get a code name out of the four of us." Fuuka said as Aigis merely nodded her agreement before Ann spoke up for the first time in a while.

"Hmm, well this will be tricky, since most of us know very little about Fuuka. From what little I do know, she seems a bit shy and soft-spoken, so maybe a name focused on that?" Ann said as Shiho spoke up.

"Let's not forget that like Rise and Futaba, Fuuka's a navigator as well." Shiho pointed out as Sojiro spoke up.

"True. Hmm, well, what about 'Firefly'? Much like Fuuka, fireflies are cute and don't say much, plus they're quite quick to flee in a dangerous situation." Sojiro said as Fuuka frowned and spoke up.

"That suggestion is reasonable, but do I really look like a 'Firefly' when going around inside of Juno?" Fuuka said as Haru spoke up.

"No, you really don't. But I get why Sojiro would suggest that." Haru said as Fuuka spoke up.

"I appreciate the suggestion, Sojiro-san, but I'm going to have to pass on it." Fuuka said as Makoto spoke up.

"I see. Well, if 'Firefly' is out, what about keeping it literal and making her code name 'Navi'?" Makoto suggested as Kusa, Fuuka, and Futaba all frowned at this before Morgana huffed and spoke up.

"I'm sorry, WHAT!? We are not calling Fuuka 'Navi' as a code name. That's not a code name, it's a role!" Morgana said as Kusa spoke up with a smirk.

"It's also a character in a video game as well. And she is rather flighty and good at analytics like Fuuka." Kusa said as Futaba spoke up.

"However, she can be annoying at times, unlike Fuuka. So I don't think 'Navi' works as a code name. Sorry about that, Makoto." Futaba said to Makoto, who shrugged and accepted this as she leaned back against a smirking Ryuji, who wrapped his arms around her gently while hugging her as Zenkichi smirked and spoke up.

"Heh, look at how cute Ryuji and Makoto are together. But in all seriousness, if both 'Firefly' and 'Navi' are out, how about 'Fae'? As Akane once told me after reading about them, Fae is a shorthand term for fairy folk, and I feel like Fuuka is rather similar in a lot of ways to a fairy. Plus 'Fae' isn't too long and can be said quickly in a pinch." Zenkichi said as Aigis smiled and spoke up.

"That is a pretty accurate assessment of Fuuka-san. Based on what I recall correctly since I wasn't present at the time, when Fuuka-san first joined back when our group was originally called S.E.E.S, she was rather shy and timid. It was only after a while that she started slowly coming out of her shell around the rest of us. So I could see 'Fae' working rather well as a code name for her." Aigis said as Fuuka huffed and spoke up.

"While you're not wrong, I'm not nearly as shy or soft-spoken as I used to be. Or did you not see the way I commentated every one of those bouts in the rematch?" Fuuka asked bluntly as Akihiko smirked and spoke up.

"You have a point. That was pretty riveting commentary for the most part, Fuuka. So you could have a future as a commentator if all else fails." Akihiko said as Fuuka spoke up.

"Thank you, Akihiko-senpai. I appreciate you liking my commentary. That being said, I don't disagree with 'Fae' as my code name, but I suppose we should put it to a vote and see if everyone else agrees." Fuuka said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"I agree. All in favor of 'Fae' being Fuuka's code name?" Ren asked as everyone's hands went up, or in Koromaru's case, he barked once in the affirmative as Ren nodded and kept speaking.

"Very well. It seems that it is once again unanimous. Congratulations, Fuuka. From here on, you will be 'Fuuka' in the real world and 'Fae' in the Metaverse." Ren said as Fuuka smiled and spoke up.

"Thank you, Ren. Nice to know you're this welcoming to all the new recruits." Fuuka said as Sumire smiled and spoke up.

"Yeah, that's Ren for you. He's just a really friendly guy. Granted, he has a much bolder side, but only I get to see that side of him." Sumire said slyly as Ren blushed and spoke up.

"Aaanyways, moving on. I believe it's time to figure out which member of the Investigation Team we're focusing on next between Rise and Naoto." Ren said as Rise smiled and spoke up.

"Fortunately, Naoto and I were discussing that while you guys were figuring out Fuuka's code name. And we agreed that I should go next, leaving Naoto to go last for the Investigation Team." Rise said as Naoto nodded her agreement and Ren spoke up.

"Very well. Let's hear some code name suggestions for Rise, then." Ren said as Naoto smirked and spoke up.

"I think I have one. Just from what Nanako-chan said about Rise and Yu in the past, I think that 'Siren' is a strong possibility for a code name for Rise. This is because she has both a good side when it comes to her singing voice that can draw people in, and a very scary sadistic side when you piss her off, as we saw when Rise knocked Ann out of the rematch during their bout. So I think it applies." Naoto said as Nanako giggled and spoke up.

"Eh, I can see that making sense, Naoto. That being said, is it bad that I thought you were about to suggest something to the effect of 'Seductress' or 'Slinky' for Big Sis' code name, rather than 'Siren'?" Nanako asked innocently, making both Yu and Rise blush as they spoke up in unison.

"NANAKO!" Yu and Rise rebuked Nanako as the latter kept speaking.

"How do you even know about any of what you just said? And what part of how I do things makes me seem like 'Seductress' is a good code name for me, never mind 'Slinky'!? Also, how dare you tease me and your Big Bro like that, you brat? I hope Akane-chan punishes you extra roughly for that later, and not in the kinky way." Rise said as Yu spoke up with a sly smirk.

"To be fair to her, you do get pretty wild behind closed doors. But at the same time, I think I might have to have Yosuke see if Junes has any lightning rods so I can tie Teddie to one and let Marie punish him at her leisure, since it sounds like he's been teaching Nanako weird stuff again." Yu said as Yosuke grinned and spoke up.

"While Junes doesn't carry lightning rods, I do know for a fact that we carry tasers. And I also know for a fact that Dojima-san showed you how to use one of those before, so you could always just punish Teddie that way? After all, Naoto's already spoken positively to how useful they are." Yosuke said as Naoto blushed and spoke up.

"To be fair, that was in regards to stopping Akihiko from having Koromaru use Teddie for a chew toy before. Not that Teddie wouldn't deserve it, but I worry that all that bear meat might be too stringy and/or gamey for Koromaru to digest and possibly ruin his teeth while chewing Teddie up, to say nothing of the indigestion Koromaru might get from eating such underprepared bear meat." Naoto said as Nanako frowned and spoke up.

"WHAT!? Okay, no, I'm not going to allow Teddie to be used as a chew toy, let alone be hit with tasers! I don't care if he does deserve it, he's not worth getting in trouble over." Nanako said as Rise spoke up.

"Anyways, back to Naoto's suggestion, I don't think I'm fond of having 'Siren' as my code name. Sorry, Naoto-san." Rise said as Fuuka smirked and spoke up.

"In that case, what about 'Diva'? After all, you're an idol, are you not? And if I recall right, idols and divas are rather similar when you get down to it." Fuuka said as Rise went to pout, before smiling as she spoke up.

"You're lucky that's such a sound argument, Fuuka. I thought you were insulting me for a second, but then I realized you weren't. That said, I kinda like that idea." Rise said as Ren spoke up.

"In that case, all in favor of 'Diva' as Rise's code name?" Ren asked as everyone, aside from Koromaru who barked in the affirmative, raised their hands in unison, making Ren smirk and speak up.

"In that case, it's unanimous. Congratulations, Rise. You will be known as 'Rise' in the real world, and 'Diva' in the Metaverse." Ren said as Zenkichi spoke up.

"So, from the looks of it, the only ones left who still need to get code names are Aigis and Naoto. And since we've been going back and forth with these teams, Aigis is next." Zenkichi said as Goro smirked and spoke up.

"If that's the case, then I already have a perfect code name in mind for her. Based on the way Aigis-san is always on alert and analyzing potential threats, as well as making sure she's ready to react if a situation arises, she strikes me as the textbook definition of a sentinel. Hence, I propose that her code name be 'Sentinel'." Goro said as Aigis spoke up.

"Hmm. 'Sentinel', you say? That's an interesting choice for a code name suggestion, Goro-san. I can't say I disagree with it either, but I would rather hear what everyone else thinks. If the group agrees that 'Sentinel' suits me, then I'll accept that suggestion." Aigis said as Ren spoke up.

"In that case, all in favor of 'Sentinel' for Aigis' code name?" Ren said as Koromaru barked in the affirmative while everyone else raised their hands in agreement. Ren spoke up with a smile.

"Sounds like it's unanimous, then. Congratulations, Aigis. From here on, you will be known as 'Aigis' in the real world and 'Sentinel' in the Metaverse." Ren said as Aigis nodded approvingly while Nanako spoke up.

"Looks like we saved one of the best for last. Time to decide Naoto's code name!" Nanako said as Naoto smiled and spoke up while leaning over to fondly ruffle Nanako's hair, making her pout and fix her hair while Akane giggled at the adorably put-out look on her girlfriend's face as Naoto spoke.

"Aww, how sweet. It's nice to hear that you think so highly of me, Nanako-chan. That being said, I confess myself curious to see what code names are suggested for me." Naoto said as Yosuke spoke up with a smirk.

"Y'know, the way you're always talking fancy and smart, maybe we should keep it simple and call you 'Sherlock'?" Yosuke suggested as both Goro and Kusa laughed, the latter speaking up.

"While that's a good suggestion, you must also no doubt realize that there are often instances when people are quick to criticize someone for stating the obvious, as they usually do so with the phrase, 'No shit, Sherlock!' You are familiar with that saying, right Yosuke?" Kusa said as Yosuke spoke up.

"I am. But even so, you can't tell me that Naoto doesn't have a lot of similarities to Sherlock Holmes. After all, her nickname was 'Detective Prince' at one point before it was appropriated by Goro over there." Yosuke said as Goro smirked and spoke up.

"Hey, is it my fault that people liked me better than Naoto-san when I was the 'Detective Prince'? But in all fairness, she can have that title back if she wants it. That being said, I feel like your suggestion could be more or less an insult to Naoto-san by comparing her to Sherlock Holmes." Goro said as Futaba nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed. Besides, Naoto was never officially given the rank of 'detective', so much as became a consulting detective for various police forces until she eventually took a job as a PubSec official. At this point, she's more of an inspector than a detective. But with all apologies to Zenkichi, detectives are way cooler than inspectors, at least in my opinion." Futaba said as Zenkichi spoke up with a smirk.

"You're not wrong, Futaba. I just keep my job as an Inspector to keep food on the table for myself and Akane, and possibly Nanako on the occasions she comes out to spend quality time with Akane down the line." Zenkichi said, smirking at the identical set of blushes on Akane and Nanako's faces as the former spoke up.

"DAAAAD! You said you'd stop teasing us about that! And more to the point, do you see Nanako or myself teasing you about how much your eyes seemed to be glued to Makoto's sister when she got you out of jail before?" Akane pointed out as Makoto smirked and spoke up.

"You're not wrong, Akane-chan. After all, if Goro wasn't lying about Sis' face being rather subtly red while she checked Zenkichi-san out, then I'm pretty sure that Sis was also quite interested in getting to know your father, even if she won't admit to it." Makoto said as Goro smirked and spoke up.

"I can confirm that what I saw did happen, Makoto. After all, I was the only one who saw how the two were looking at each other with a mix of intrigue and curiosity before I had to drive Zenkichi-san back to the hideaway." Goro said as Sojiro spoke up, drawing attention from the slightly annoyed frown Zenkichi was aiming at Goro for calling him out on checking Sae out and onto him while he spoke.

"Yes, well, as entertaining as the idea of Zenkichi and Sae potentially getting together sounds, I think we were discussing Naoto's code name?" Sojiro said as Naoto nodded and spoke up.

"We were. But I've not heard a lot of good ideas so far." Naoto said as Akihiko smirked and spoke up.

"That's because, with the exceptions of Zenkichi and Goro, everyone has little to no experience with detectives. I, on the other hand, have a few ideas for code names. For starters, given how hard-boiled you act at times, I could see 'Gumshoe' being a good code name for you." Akihiko said as Naoto blinked before speaking up.

"'Gumshoe', huh? That is a rather classic term for detectives, and I can recall a few TV shows that used that word in their theme songs, so I like it." Naoto said as Ren smirked and spoke up.

"In that case, all in favor of 'Gumshoe' as Naoto's code name?" Ren asked as Koromaru barked in the affirmative while the others raised their hands in agreement. Ren smiled and spoke up.

"Sounds unanimous to me. Congratulations, Naoto. From here on out, you'll be 'Naoto' in the real world and 'Gumshoe' in the Metaverse. Now that we've figured out all of your code names, you are all officially part of the Phantom Thieves for however long you want to be. So for now, welcome to the Crew, Ronin, Diva, Shinobi, Gumshoe, Bruiser, Buchi, Fae, and Sentinel." Ren said as Yu smirked and spoke up.

"I think I speak for all eight of us when I say, thank you for welcoming us into your group, Joker." Yu said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Not a problem, Yu. After everything we have been through regarding Konoe, it does feel right for us to finally team up. Now, if that's all, what do you guys say we go into this last Jail and stop EMMA?" Ren said as Sumire spoke up upon realizing something.

"Hold on a second, Ren. Before we head out to stop EMMA, I just realized something. Since Rise and Fuuka will be joining us for this final infiltration, won't Mitsuru and the other members of the Shadow Operatives and Investigation Team be out there without a navigator?" Sumire asked as Akihiko smiled and spoke up.

"Not to worry, Sumire-san. Both Mitsuru and Teddie have had experience with navigating during our first runs for our respective Persona groups prior to Fuuka and Rise joining, so they should be fine." Akihiko said before a surprised Morgana spoke up as his face was in shock upon hearing what the boxer had just said.

"Whoa, whoa, wait a minute. I mean, I understand Mitsuru, since I can see her acting as the group's navigator given her commanding nature. But, TEDDIE!? I find it hard to believe that he is capable of navigating." Morgana said as Yosuke spoke up.

"While Teddie was a bit of a downgrade compared to Rise after she joined our group, there were moments where he came in clutch during our early days as Persona-users. So you'd be surprised at what Teddie can do as a navigator, Morgana." Yosuke said as Morgana nodded in understanding just as Ren spoke up.

"Well, I suppose this marks another similarity between the Phantom Thieves and the Investigation Team, with our fellow mascots being navigators for a certain period of time before our main ones joined our respective groups. But with that being said, I think we've been in this RV long enough. Let's head to the Tokyo Radio Tower and stop EMMA once and for all." Ren said as others nodded as one by one they left the RV as they then made their way back to the entrance of the newly transformed Tokyo Radio Tower with their new allies in tow...

(Inside the new Jail, with Joker, Mona, Skull, Panther, Fox, Queen, Oracle, Noir, Crow, Violet, Draconis, Seeker, Pendragon, Flare, Wolf, Seraphim, Auburn, Ronin, Shinobi, Gumshoe, Diva, Sentinel, Bruiser, Buchi, and Fae)

As the group entered the same area that the Thieves were originally in upon being teleported into this new Jail, they were shocked to see a large gaggle of people wandering in, causing Wolf to frown as he spoke up.

"What the hell?" Wolf said as Joker spoke up.

"Well, this is definitely not good." Joker said as Queen walked towards the crowd and spoke up.

"Please, listen to me! It's not safe here! Everyone, get out!" Queen said, only to be ignored, making Oracle frown as she spoke up.

"Huh? No reply at all! Seems like they're all glued to their phones." Oracle said as Pendragon huffed and muttered what sounded suspiciously like the words 'damned millennials' under his breath as Mona spoke up.

"This is quite odd. It's like they're lined up to go on a pilgrimage or something." Mona said before the group was once more stunned to see the crowd of brainwashed people all vanish into a nearby wall, making Crow and Draconis both speak up.

"What the shit!?" Crow and Draconis said at the same time as Ronin spoke up with a frown.

"Did those people just vanish into a wall!?" Ronin said in shock as Diva nodded and spoke up.

"Seems like it to me, Ronin. And no matter how you slice it, people vanishing into walls is most definitely NOT something that one sees every day." Diva said as Violet spoke up.

"No, it's not. You're right about that, Diva." Violet said as Panther frowned and spoke up.

"Never mind that, you guys! I think the better question here is where are they all going!?" Panther asked as Flare spoke up.

"Considering those are elevators over there, maybe they're trying to go upwards?" Flare said as Noir spoke up.

"That is possible, Flare. It's like the elevator is swallowing them all up, if nothing else." Noir said as Pendragon spoke up.

"That's just not natural, no matter how you put it." Pendragon said as Gumshoe nodded her head and spoke up.

"I agree wholeheartedly, Pendragon. This is all so surreal." Gumshoe said as Skull swore and spoke up.

"Dammit, this makes no effin' sense! What's goin' on in there?" Skull asked as Bruiser frowned and spoke up.

"Nothing good, that's for sure." Bruiser said as Fae spoke up with a nod.

"I agree with Bruiser. But I think we'll find out as we go, most likely." Fae said as Shinobi spoke up.

"Fae's right, we'll probably learn what's going on the more we scale up this tower. Although, I can't help but wonder how Labrys and the others are doing outside of here." Shinobi said as Sentinel smiled and spoke up.

"I appreciate your concern for my sister and the others, Shinobi. But they'll be fine. I promise you that." Sentinel said as Buchi sensed Shinobi's worry and nuzzled his head comfortingly against Shinobi's palm, being careful of the knives that Shinobi carried in each hand as he did so. Violet smiled at this and spoke up.

"Aww, look at Buchi trying to cheer Shinobi up. So adorable." Violet said as Seeker nodded and spoke up.

"True, that is pretty cute. Not as cute as Mona, but still cute nonetheless. But enough about that. Changing the subject, in regards to Skull's question? If I were to venture a guess, I'd say that EMMA is taking them to the place it calls the Promised Land." Seeker said as Seraphim spoke up.

"That doesn't sound good. I suppose the only way to find out is to follow them, right?" Seraphim said as Auburn nodded and spoke up.

"Correct. We'll have to try and see if we can also walk through the elevator." Auburn said as Fox walked over and tried to walk through the elevator, only for the elevator to remain solid and impassable, making Fox frown as he spoke up.

"No good. It appears we're unable to enter." Fox said as another group appeared and walked towards the elevators as Panther spoke up.

"Look, more people are coming through, you guys! Tons of them!" Panther said in shock as Wolf frowned and spoke up.

"All these people, getting their hearts changed. This isn't good! If this keeps up, EMMA could very well change every heart in Japan, possibly even the world." Wolf said in concern as Noir nodded and spoke up.

"I agree, Wolf! We have to hurry! Let's track down EMMA!" Noir said as Fox frowned and spoke up.

"In any case, we don't have much time. Do any stairwells reach the server room?" Fox asked as Wolf shook his head and spoke up.

"No, but if we can reach the main deck, we should find another elevator." Wolf said as Queen frowned and spoke up.

"Then let's head there. See any places we can gain elevation?" Queen asked as the others shook their heads and Joker spoke up.

"I don't think so, Queen. We're going to have to search around to find some sort of opening that will allow us to go to the next floor. But with that being said, we should probably do things as normal and create groups for this infiltration. And rather than having four groups of six, or six groups of four, we'll have three groups of eight for this Jail. In Group A, which I will personally lead, will be myself, Violet, Draconis, Wolf, Seeker, Ronin, Diva, and Sentinel. In Group B, which Crow will lead, will be Crow, Oracle, Bruiser, Noir, Pendragon, Mona, Fox, and Gumshoe. And finally, in Group C, which Queen will lead, will be Queen, Buchi, Seraphim, Auburn, Skull, Flare, Panther, and Shinobi.

As for navigation, due to her experience in that capacity, I feel like Fae can handle the navigation on her own for now. However, I reserve the right to send Oracle and/or Diva to assist her if needed, along with possibly Crow. Any objections?" Joker asked as Shinobi spoke up.

"I don't have any objections. But what you said just now has caught my attention. Since when can Crow navigate? I mean, I understand Oracle and possibly Mona, but I didn't think he, of all people, had any navigational experience." Shinobi said as Crow spoke up.

"You'd be surprised to know that I'm not that bad when it comes to navigation, Shinobi. It's just that I only take the reins whenever Oracle and Mona are either incapacitated or doing something else for the team." Crow said as Joker spoke up.

"True that, Crow. But with that being said, is there any other matter that needs to be addressed before we depart?" Joker asked as no one else had spoken up, though Crow and Gumshoe did exchange subtle glares with one another, making Draconis chuckle as he recalled his own past rivalry with Crow. At that point, the group kept moving to explore the Jail. As they moved, Panther winced and spoke up.

"Eww, are those tree roots over there? So creepy." Panther said as Fox smirked and spoke up.

"Tree roots are often said to be symbolic of health and fertility. But that being said, these tree roots seem much more sinister than usual." Fox said as Fae spoke up.

"You're not wrong about these roots seeming more sinister than usual. However, when it comes to tree roots being symbolic of health and fertility? I'd say that's mostly true for trees, if anything. But even then, I seriously doubt that tree roots symbolizing fertility actually applies to humans." Fae said as Oracle smirked and spoke up.

"Right. First rule for the newcomers? Learn to ignore Inari. He's usually good in a fight, but he's pretty eccentric outside of a battle." Oracle said as Draconis spoke up.

"Be nice, Oracle. And his code name isn't Inari, it's Fox. That being said though, is it really Fox's fault that you don't understand his eccentricity?" Draconis said as Oracle shrugged and said nothing as the group kept moving. After Joker spotted an out-of-the-way ledge, he hopped up to a hidden chest, which he cracked open to find a 'Mechanical Heart' yo-yo, making him smirk as he turned to Seeker once he'd rejoined the others while Seeker spoke up.

"What did you get from the chest, Dad?" Seeker asked as Joker smiled and spoke up

"I have managed to acquire some yo-yos. And last I checked, those seem to be your types of weapons, right Seeker? Do you think you could use these, sweetheart? Joker asked Seeker as Shinobi turned to Crow and spoke up.

"Is Joker really talking nice to the little short redhead?" Shinobi asked as Crow spoke up with a nod.

"Get used to it, Shinobi. Joker and Violet see Seeker as a daughter, so of course they talk nice to her when they can." Crow said as Shinobi nodded and spoke up.

"I see. Thank you for that explanation, Crow." Shinobi said as Seeker spoke up while accepting the 'Mechanical Heart'.

"I'll give them a try, Dad. They feel like they'll be a perfect fit. And they seem stronger than what I have now." Seeker said as she equipped the 'Mechanical Heart' and the group kept moving. As the group kept going, Seeker frowned and spoke up.

"The infrastructure in this building seems to be crumbling in places. It's almost as if it's been warped in an artful way." Seeker said as Fox frowned and spoke up.

"Perhaps, but it's not like I'd call any place like this 'artful'." Fox said as Wolf frowned and spoke up.

"Who cares if it's artistic or not? Isn't it more important that the place is crumbling in spots?" Wolf said as the group kept moving. After defeating more Shadows, during which point Noir and Wolf hit level 81, Noir spoke up.

"Look, the wall's broken over there. You can see into the floor above us." Noir said as Mona nodded and spoke up.

"Good catch, Noir. I bet we can get higher through there. Let's check it out, Joker." Mona said as Joker spoke up.

"Fair enough. Everyone stick close together while we climb that wall." Joker said as Bruiser frowned and spoke up.

"I just hope this doesn't become like Tartarus, where we have to climb up so many floors." Bruiser said as Draconis spoke up.

"Out of curiosity, how many floors did you climb while you were in that place?" Draconis asked as Sentinel spoke up as her next words ended up shocking him.

"Good question, Draconis. Even though my memory of the layout might be slightly rusty throughout the years, I recall that Tartarus had a total of 264 floors that we had to climb, along with an additional 10 going below the first floor." Sentinel said as Draconis mouth was wide open as he spoke up.

"Wow. That must have really sucked for you guys back then when it came to traversing that tower." Draconis said as Fae spoke up.

"Actually, it wasn't that bad. There were teleporters on some of the floors that allowed us to go back to the first floor and vice versa." Fae said as the group kept moving. After clearing the wall, the group reached another part of the Jail, at which point Panther winced and spoke up.

"Wow, this place is even worse off than the floor we were just on." Panther said as Flare spoke up.

"No kidding, and there's Shadows everywhere." Flare said as Queen spoke up.

"Not only that, there's roots as far as the eye can see. I only hope they don't prevent us from reaching our destination." Queen said as Noir smirked and spoke up.

"No problem! If they get to be too much, just leave it to me! My trusty axe and I can mow down anything!" Noir said as Wolf winced and spoke up.

"Right. That's not totally scary or anything. Regardless, that's great to hear." Wolf said as Diva turned to Oracle, who was closest to her, and spoke up so only she could hear.

"Is Noir always this crazy?" Diva asked as Oracle shook her head in the negative as she spoke up so only Diva could hear.

"No. This is just her inner sadist coming out to the surface. And if you think this is scary, you should see some of her dialogues with Crow." Oracle said as Diva winced and spoke up.

"I see. I'm not in a hurry to see those, I think." Diva said as Ronin hugged her and spoke up so only she could hear.

"Relax, Diva. I'm right here with you, and nothing will hurt you as long as I'm around." Ronin said as Diva thanked Ronin by kissing him as the group kept moving. While mowing down most of the Shadows in the area, Seeker spoke up.

"Hmm. Is this tower popular with tourists?" Seeker asked as Fox spoke up.

"Indeed. Depending on who you ask, you might say it's a cultural hotspot for tourists. And it's widely regarded as a historical landmark of Tokyo. Its marriage of function and form gives it an almost regal air." Fox said as Mona saw the intrigued look on Seeker's face and spoke up while patting her on the shoulder reassuringly.

"Don't worry, Lady Seeker. We'll bring you to see the real thing one day. But first, we've gotta turn this place back to the way it was." Mona said as Bruiser spoke up.

"I agree. We can worry about planning for the future after we stop EMMA." Bruiser said as the group kept moving. After reaching the back of the area, the group's progress was stopped by a pair of strong Shadows, one in the form of a spider-esque Walker and the other in the form of a masked helicopter. The masked helicopter saw the group and spoke up.

"Behold. Just as the death of suffering is nigh, the dawning of a new god also draws near." The masked helicopter said as it shifted forms into what Joker instantly recognized as a 'Dominion' while the spider-esque walker Shadow spoke up.

"Man shall attain its fate and be delivered from doubt and strife. Now, enter the Promised Land." The walker Shadow said as it shifted forms into what Joker recognized as a 'Kali', at which point Panther frowned and spoke up.

"No way is that happening! I don't care how much doubt I have, I want my freedom!" Panther said as Queen spoke up.

"Not only that, but suffering can have positive outcomes as well, such as how we all met." Queen said as Ronin spoke up.

"Besides, there's no way we're letting a pair of pissants like you stop us from saving the world." Ronin said bluntly as the 'Dominion' spoke up.

"Fools, are you truly so ignorant?" The 'Dominion' asked as a battle began! After the battle ended, the group found a checkpoint and briefly exited to upgrade weapons and armor, as well as stock up on extra supplies before returning to the path, at which point the group kept moving until Wolf spoke up.

"Heh, man. From the local police forces to pissing off a god, with no in-between. Be honest with me, you guys really know how to pick your battles, don't you?" Wolf said as Skull chuckled and spoke up.

"Hah, true. We sure do know how to pick 'em. I guess you could say pissing off people in power is our specialty!" Skull said as Draconis winced and spoke up.

"You say that like that's something to be proud of, Skull. But last I checked, going up against a local police force is nothing to be proud of, even if said force is corrupt." Draconis said as Ronin nodded approvingly and spoke up.

"As someone who's related to a detective themselves, I agree with Draconis. While it's admirable you guys fight for what's right, you sure have interesting choices for targets at times." Ronin said as Crow spoke up with a frown.

"You have no idea, Ronin. One time, these guys literally took on the would-be Prime Minister of Japan, all because he chose to make an enemy out of Joker by framing him for his own attempt to try and force himself onto an unsuspecting woman. And that's not even getting into what he did to myself and Draconis. But that's a story for another time." Crow said as Diva spoke up.

"Fair enough, Crow. That's understandable." Diva said as Ronin spoke up.

"We'll respect your wishes, Crow." Ronin said as Bruiser smirked and spoke up.

"Agreed. Granted, I agree with Draconis' point about pissing off the cops not being something to be proud of." Bruiser said as Oracle spoke up.

"Regardless of what you think Bruiser, we all decided that we're done playing games with the wicked. We'll take on whoever's wrong, even a god." Oracle said as Wolf spoke up.

"Oh yeah? Man, you guys are true-blue underdogs if you ask me." Wolf said as Auburn smiled and spoke up.

"Well, what do you expect coming from this group, Dad? We are the Phantom Thieves, after all." Auburn said as Wolf chuckled and spoke up.

"Fair enough, Auburn. I suppose that does apply to me as well." Wolf said as Pendragon spoke up with a smirk.

"Why the tone of surprise, Wolf? If you think about it, the term 'true-blue underdogs' applies to all of us that are on this infiltration to some extent." Pendragon said sagely, as Wolf could only nod his agreement before the group kept moving. After eliminating more enemies, the group eventually came upon a door, prompting Oracle to speak up.

"Hmm? Look over there, everyone! From the looks of it, it seems to be a locked door." Oracle said as Seeker looked at the door and gasped as she spoke up.

"Good find, Oracle. Mind you, this is merely conjecture on my part, but I suspect that is EMMA's server room." Seeker said as Skull spoke up.

"Oh? So, if we mess up the server, won't that shut down EMMA, or whatever that god is?" Skull asked as Violet shook her head and spoke up.

"No, I don't think that simply pulling EMMA's plug will cause her to shut down, Skull. That is, assuming we believe that Ichinose-san was telling us the truth about that before." Violet said as Fox spoke up with a frown.

"Indeed, Violet. And not only that, there's also the fact that EMMA is still active despite the server already having been shut down once before." Fox said as Gumshoe spoke up.

"I see. It sounds to me like this might be a case of having to straight up destroy EMMA, rather than merely shutting her servers down." Gumshoe said as Noir spoke up with a frown.

"That may very well be the case, Gumshoe. And not only that, but we don't know how destroying the server could affect all the people trapped inside of it." Noir said as Wolf spoke up with a frown.

"Noir's right. We can't risk the people's safety by trying to shut EMMA down. So considering the circumstances, the safest thing to do with that room right now is to ignore it. Let's keep climbing." Wolf said as the group kept moving. A bit further on, Queen spoke up.

"Hmm, seems like we can reach the main deck through there." Queen said as Skull spoke up with a nod.

"All right, let's get on up there." Skull said as Seraphim spoke up for the first time in a bit.

"Agreed. The sooner we deal with EMMA, the sooner we can save the world." Seraphim said as the group kept moving. After navigating the short hallway the group found themselves in, they found a single strong Shadow blocking their way. As the group drew near, the strong Shadow, who Oracle's scan identified as being called the 'Mouthpiece of God', spoke up.

"Tell me, why are you resisting this gift from your god? You'll live on in a tranquil world, free of all pain, yet you oppose it with such fervor despite all that." The 'Mouthpiece of God' said as Wolf spoke up with a scoff.

"Why? Because it's bullshit! If something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is." Wolf said as Crow smirked and spoke up.

"Couldn't have put it any better myself, Wolf." Crow said as Shinobi spoke up.

"Indeed! Besides, even if it is as you say, and we'll live in a tranquil world and all that, how do you justify the likely mass loss of free will? That doesn't sound so tranquil to me." Shinobi said as Sentinel nodded and spoke up.

"I agree with Shinobi! What you're describing sounds eerily similar to something my group fought to stop ten years ago. And if we didn't agree with it then, we are certain to do the same thing here!" Sentinel said as Bruiser and Fae nodded their agreement and Buchi barked to convey his agreement with Bruiser. Fox spoke up at that point.

"More importantly, tranquility born from a lack of thought is nothing less than the death of the self!" Fox said as Diva nodded and spoke up.

"Well said, Fox! This psycho sounds like he's spewing the same bullcrap rhetoric that both Adachi and the Sagiri were spouting when we fought them eight years ago. And that's not even getting into the other entity we had to defeat to save Inaba." Diva said as the 'Mouthpiece of God' cut in and spoke up before Ronin could voice his agreement of Diva's words.

"How tragic it is that you are all so short-sighted. But no matter, I will deal with you all right here and now!" The 'Mouthpiece of God' said as he shifted forms into what Joker recognized as a 'Metatron' as the leader of the Phantom Thieves spoke up.

"Oh great, so our next opponent is the Ultimate Persona of the Justice Arcana." Joker said as Ronin raised an eyebrow as he spoke up in confusion.

"Wait, hold on a second. I thought Seraphim's Persona Sraosha was the Ultimate Persona of the Justice Arcana." Ronin as Joker shook his head and spoke up.

"Maybe during your first run, Ronin. But for me, Metatron was my Ultimate Persona of the Justice Arcana, and I was able to get him not too long after I forged a solid bond with Crow." Joker said as Seraphim spoke up after taking a close look at 'Metatron'.

"Huh. You know, if I didn't have Sraosha, I could see him being my Persona given his angelic design. But on the other hand, I wouldn't trade my current one for anything, seeing as Sraosha represents my bond with my Big Bro." Seraphim said as a fight began! Once the fight ended, the EXP gains brought Joker, Oracle, and Violet to level 87, and brought Skull, Queen, and Seeker to level 81.

After the battle, Joker noticed a trio of treasure chests that 'Metatron' had dropped on his defeat, which Joker opened up to find a trio of weapons inside in the forms of the 'Sword of Sinai EX', the 'Adamantium Staff', and the 'Orichalcum Bracers', which Joker noted seemed to be Violet, Oracle, and Flare's ultimate weapons. He then gestured for Violet, Oracle, and Flare to come forward, speaking up once they did so. *1*

"I think we might be all set regarding ultimate weapons because I believe I just found the last ones for our main members. Violet, I think the chest in the middle has your ultimate rapier in it. Oracle, I think that's your ultimate energy staff in the one on the left. And Flare, I believe the one on the right has your ultimate tonfas in it. Do you want to give them a try?" Joker asked as Violet, Oracle, and Flare nodded, trying out their respective weapons and liking how they fit. Once Violet, Oracle, and Flare had finished equipping their new weapons, the group kept moving. After reaching the end of the hallway, the group found an elevator, which they rode upwards. Once they got out, Skull spoke up in surprise.

"Did that take us all the way up?" Skull asked as Draconis huffed and spoke up.

"Gee, Skull. I don't know. Do you think that elevator took us all the way up? Last I checked, that was the purpose of an elevator." Draconis deadpanned, to amused smirks from Crow and Shinobi, at which point Mona cut in.

"He's not wrong, Skull. Besides, it took us far enough. Look at what's in front of us, guys!" Mona said as the group all gasped in unison, including Queen, who was the last off of the elevator, as Queen spoke up.

"The Ark of the Covenant!" Queen said as Sentinel spoke up with confusion on her face.

"Wait, did you just say the Ark of the Covenant? I thought we were supposed to be finding EMMA?" Sentinel asked Joker and spoke up.

"We did find her, Sentinel. It's just that EMMA has given herself that name due to the masses' desire to have a god think for them." Joker said as Shinobi frowned and gently nudged Fae, who was closest to him before speaking up so only they could hear.

"Isn't 'The Ark of the Covenant' a movie title?" Shinobi asked Fae, who could only shrug, not sure of the answer to that. Before Fae could verbalize a response to Shinobi's question, Skull spoke up angrily.

"Aha! We finally foundja, ya big box o' bullshit!" Skull said as Ronin smirked and spoke up.

"Rather blunt, aren't you Skull?" Ronin asked as Queen winced and spoke up.

"You have no idea, Ronin. I swear, if I had 5000 yen for every time either Joker, Violet, or myself have had to yell at Skull for swearing, I'd be pretty decently rich by now." Queen said as Oracle spoke up at that point.

"EMMA, I hope you're listening, because we're gonna shut you down and fix all the people whose brains you scrambled!" Oracle said as Gumshoe sweatdropped and spoke up.

"Assuming it's as easy as shutting down something that big. I still maintain that destroying it would probably be both faster and more efficient." Gumshoe said as Crow spoke up.

"For once, you and I agree on something, Gumshoe." Crow said as Gumshoe nodded before the Ark of the Covenant, or EMMA, spoke up.

"Welcome, Phantom Thieves, to the beginning of the path to the Promised Land. All are free to enter the Promised Land. Naturally, this includes yourselves as well. Escape the curse of the human heart. Accept this gift bestowed upon you." EMMA said as Shinobi sputtered and spoke up.

"You call that a gift!?" Shinobi asked as Bruiser spoke up that.

"Never mind that, Shinobi! What's this bullcrap about the human heart being a curse!? That's crazier than Ikutsuki's bullshit!" Bruiser said as Draconis spoke up.

"Right!? Even Mona knows that the human heart being a curse is bullshit!" Draconis said as Fox nodded and spoke up.

"Well said, Draconis." Fox said before turning to EMMA as he kept speaking.

"And as for you, EMMA? Our apologies, but we shall be the ones to forge our own path." Fox said as Panther nodded and spoke up.

"Fox is right! No way are we letting you wipe what makes us ourselves!" Panther said as Seraphim spoke up.

"And more importantly, no way in hell are we letting you break up families and try to glorify potential genocide as salvation!" Seraphim said as EMMA spoke up.

"I understand your Desire. 'I want to choose my path of my own free will.' That is a very admirable Desire. However, it is not one many humans share. The Desire of the masses is the liberation from pain and strife. They pray for release from the constant agony of aspirations and dreams out of their reach. They want to be freed from the cycle of despair. As such, my prime directive is to grant this ultimate Desire.

I know you have learned on your journey that I was created to be a good companion to humanity. But even so, humans are at the mercy of their own hearts, and this can lead them astray. You are all very lucky that this didn't become your own fate. However, you must recognize the truth that this world is full of pain. Allow me to provide proof of this fact." EMMA said as the box that had become her form split apart and created a blinding light that made the entire group grit their teeth as Fox spoke up.

"What the heck is this!?" Fox said as a blinding flash of light obscured the group's vision. When Joker could see again, he gasped when he realized he was in an unfamiliar location, all on his own. Joker then spoke up.

"What the-!? Violet? Seeker? Draconis? Mona? Skull? Panther? Fox? Queen? Oracle? Noir? Crow? Pendragon? Flare? Wolf? Seraphim? Auburn? Ronin? Diva? Shinobi? Gumshoe? Bruiser? Fae? Sentinel? Buchi? Where'd you guys go!?" Joker asked as another unfamiliar voice reached his ears, even though he felt like he'd heard it before.

"My dear, lost, suffering flock, I have come to provide you with the ultimate solution to your troubles. All you must do is follow the path I have shown you." Joker heard as he started following the path shown, hearing various voices speak up on the way.

"I don't have to think anymore." One voice said as another spoke up.

"EMMA will provide us the solution to our problems." A second voice said as a third voice spoke up.

"We can be free of this pain and suffering." The third voice said as Joker kept going until he entered a new area and heard a pair of familiar voices speak up.

"Heeeey! Where'd everyone go!?" Joker heard Skull yell as he then heard Oracle speak up.

"What IS this!? I can't get anywhere in this place!" Oracle said as Draconis spoke up

"No kidding, Oracle. It's so hard to see anything here!" Draconis said as Joker heard another random voice speak up.

"We can leave it all up to EMMA now." Joker heard as he kept walking forward. He then heard two more voices speak up.

"Hey, EMMA? What should I do?" One voice asked as the other spoke up.

"Is it my own fault for following my dream when I don't have any talent to speak of?" Joker heard as a third voice reached his ears.

"All this work is piling up. How will I ever reach it in time?" Joker heard as he kept advancing until he heard more familiar voices speak up.

"Is this like, a maze, or something?" Panther asked as Auburn spoke up.

"It certainly seems that way, but I think we'll be fine provided we don't get lost." Auburn said as Fox spoke up.

"While that may be true, I feel like something in this fog is toying with us." Fox said as Pendragon spoke up.

"I agree. Something about this fog doesn't seem right." Pendragon said as Crow scoffed and spoke up.

"If this is supposed to be EMMA's way of getting rid of us, I'm certainly disappointed." Crow said as Bruiser spoke up.

"No kidding. I'd much rather go down fighting instead of having to spend the rest of my life wandering aimlessly down one path." Bruiser said as Violet spoke up.

"There must be some way we can get out of here, because the more I keep going, the more this path seems endless." Violet said as Seeker spoke up

"Mom, Dad, everyone, don't let the path fool you! If you keep following it, you'll only end up going in circles! You must go off the path!" Seeker said as Diva spoke up.

"Seeker is right! This is like the time myself, Ronin, Shinobi, Gumshoe, and the rest of our group had to make our way through a bunch of this similar sort of fog to save the world from a crazy fog monster. If our group could escape the fog back then, then we can escape it now if we work together." Diva said as Ronin spoke up.

"Just run for the entrance, everyone! If Diva and Seeker's hunches are both right, and I trust both of them to be right, then we should be able to escape from this fog while doing that!" Ronin said as Joker decided to listen to Ronin. After a bit of backwards running, another flash of light blinded Joker. When he could see again, he was back with the others, at which point Skull spoke up.

"Whoa, we got out!" Skull said uncertainly as Panther spoke up in relief.

"What a relief!? Is everyone okay?" Panther asked as Mona nodded and spoke up.

"Yep. Seems like we're all in one piece, thanks to Lady Seeker, Ronin, and Diva's quick thinking. Now we can catch our breath for a bit after that experience." Mona said as Buchi looked around before growling once, making Mona turn the way Buchi's growls were coming from, only for his eyes to widen as he kept speaking with a slight frown.

"Hey, everyone, looks like Buchi found something! Take a look at where we just came from!" Mona said as the group saw a giant glowing pink and white colored miasma of glowing energy, making Fox gasp as he spoke up.

"What on earth is that?" Fox asked as Pendragon blinked and spoke up with a frown.

"Looks like one massive glob of Desires to me." Pendragon said as Queen gasped and spoke up.

"No way! Is that thing really a Desire!?" Queen said in shock as Mona nodded and spoke up.

"I believe so, Queen. Pendragon called it right on the money." Mona said as Oracle spoke up with wide eyes.

"It's enormous! We haven't seen any that even come close to this that I can recall." Oracle said as Draconis spoke up with a huff.

"That's not quite true, Oracle. Crow and Violet can correct me if I'm wrong on this, but I'm pretty sure the unmaterialized form of Doc's Treasure was around this size, if a bit smaller. So I think we've seen something of at least similar size once before." Draconis said as Violet nodded and spoke up.

"That's true. Doctor Maruki's Treasure had a pretty big unmaterialized form as I recall." Violet said as Crow winced and spoke up.

"And I know most of us remember how close of a call we had changing Maruki's heart back then." Crow said as Shinobi raised an eyebrow and spoke up.

"I'm guessing that whoever you just mentioned was a previous target of yours?" Shinobi asked as Joker spoke up.

"In hindsight, he was both an enemy and a friend during our first run as Persona-users three and a half years ago. But for the sake of not wanting to open up any past wounds, I'd rather not go into detail." Joker said as Bruiser spoke up.

"That's understandable. From the looks of what you just said, I'm guessing he did some pretty dark stuff?" Bruiser asked as Draconis sighed and spoke up.

"You have no idea, Bruiser. Some of us went through trauma because of this one man, specifically myself, Crow, and Violet. We ended up having to fight him in order to restore reality itself, and not only was he powerful, but he was also a Persona-user like us." Draconis said as Sentinel spoke up.

"Interesting. I wasn't aware that one of your previous targets was a Persona-user. If that's the case, then he must've been on a similar level of power as some of our past foes, such as Nyx or Izanami for mine and Ronin's groups respectively." Sentinel said as Ronin spoke up.

"Agreed. But still, I'm sorry that you all had to go through all of that." Ronin said as Violet spoke up.

"It's alright. We were able to succeed and make him see the error of his ways. And not only that, a majority of us had ended up making peace with him not too long ago, including me. But those such as Draconis and Crow still need more time." Violet said as Shinobi sighed and spoke up.

"I see. Sorry that I ended up bringing up such a touchy subject." Shinobi said as Flare spoke up.

"It's not your fault, Shinobi. You were just curious, that's all." Flare said as Wolf spoke up.

"Changing the subject back to EMMA and that giant lump of Desires, since it seems like that thing's size is based on how many hearts EMMA's changed so far, we've got our work cut out for us." Wolf said as Skull spoke up with a frown.

"So, what do we do? Should we charge into that stuff again?" Skull asked as Gumshoe sputtered and spoke up.

"Should we-? Was that seriously a question, Skull!? If so, I worry that you might be a bigger imbecile than Teddie and Kanji combined." Gumshoe said as Mona smirked and spoke up.

"While you're not wrong that Skull has his share of boneheaded moments, I wouldn't call him an imbecile. And Skull, that most likely would get us nowhere, so let's not do that. Do you remember those voices we heard while we were inside that mist?" Mona asked as Skull nodded and Panther spoke up with a frown.

"They all sounded so miserable, didn't they?" Panther asked as Fox nodded and spoke up with a frown.

"Indeed, Panther. And from what I heard, they want to protect EMMA." Fox said as Mona nodded and spoke up.

"Right. The Desire of the masses is most likely guarding EMMA." Mona said as Seeker frowned and spoke up.

"Mona's correct. The Desire is currently hiding the path to EMMA from us. If we return now, we'll only grow lost again." Seeker said as Seraphim spoke up.

"Well, we can always try to go in all at once, like by holding hands or something. And if some of us do get separated, we could always have Oracle track us down." Seraphim said as Oracle spoke up.

"That might be difficult, Seraphim. Even I wasn't able to track down everyone while we were in there the first time. And even if your idea of holding hands does work and we somehow were all together, I don't think I'll be able to navigate us while we're wandering in there." Oracle said as Fae spoke up.

"Luckily for you, both myself and Diva also have experience as navigators, so we can help you with navigation if needed, Oracle." Fae said as Diva nodded and spoke up.

"Fae's right. And with three navigators working together, we're bound to have far better odds of tracking people down while we're in there." Diva said as Oracle spoke up.

"Perhaps, but it means little unless we have a route to EMMA, which we currently do not." Oracle said as Panther frowned and spoke up.

"But, without a route to EMMA, how are we going to save the masses?" Panther asked as everyone exchanged a wary look before Noir's eyes widened in realization as she spoke up.

"Say, you guys? If that's a Desire, then wouldn't it materialize for us if we sent out a calling card?" Noir asked as Skull pumped a fist and spoke up.

"Ooh, good point, Noir! If we can make it all one solid thing, it can't hide the path anymore!" Skull said as Flare spoke up.

"And by allowing us to make EMMA think that her Desires can be stolen, then it will cause her to panic and reveal herself." Flare said as Bruiser smirked and spoke up.

"Which will allow us to confront her face-to-face and put a stop to her for good." Bruiser said as Mona turned to Joker and spoke up.

"So, the plan is to send EMMA a calling card, then? What do you think, Joker?" Mona asked as Joker spoke up.

"It would probably work IF this were a normal target. But considering this is EMMA, and she's currently in a state of existence close to that of a god, I don't think that'll do it this time." Joker said as Diva spoke up.

"True, and let's not forget that EMMA is also technically still an AI, even if she's evolved past her usual programming." Diva said as Oracle nodded and spoke up.

"Yeah, that's a good point, Diva. And even I can't say for sure whether or not a calling card would work on an AI like it would for a normal target." Oracle said as Queen spoke up.

"I admit that's a real concern, especially when considering the fact that it's grown as strong as a god." Queen said as Ronin spoke up. *2*

"If this is like the time our group had to take out a goddess to stop a bunch of fog from enveloping our hometown, I doubt it'll be as easy as using a calling card to materialize a path to EMMA." Ronin said as Gumshoe spoke up.

"True. And even then, we still don't know if the calling card would even work on EMMA." Gumshoe said as Shinobi spoke up as he suddenly remembered something.

"Wait, hold on. Aren't you guys still allied with that Ichinose chick after you all changed her heart earlier? Maybe we can hear her thoughts on this since she's the creator of EMMA." Shinobi asked as Wolf blinked and spoke up.

"That's a good idea. Hey Joker, do you think you could reach Ichinose from here? I agree with Shinobi that we should get the creator's take on this." Wolf said as Joker spoke up.

"I mean, that is a good idea, but can we really trust her though? I mean, despite Seeker getting through to Ichinose-san, I'm a little hesitant given her earlier actions towards my daughter and the rest of us. What do you guys think?" Joker asked as everyone who'd been present for the Jail of the Abyss was a bit hesitant to come up with a response aside from Seeker, who spoke up with a serious look on her face.

"Dad, I would like to request that we call Ichinose. I am certain that after we helped her see the error of her ways before, she will cooperate with us now." Seeker said as Crow spoke up.

"You seem rather certain, Seeker. But what if you're wrong, and she uses the chance to stick a knife in our backs to get back into EMMA's good graces? Did you consider that?" Crow said as Mona spoke up.

"That is a valid concern, Crow. But if Lady Seeker says she'll help, then I trust her judgment. We should at least give her a chance." Mona said as Violet spoke up.

"Although I'm a bit hesitant myself after what Ichinose did to Seeker earlier, but if my daughter is willing to give her a chance, then I suppose I should do the same." Violet said as Draconis spoke up.

"That applies to me as well. If we're going to have a chance of stopping EMMA, then we should make use of all possible resources." Draconis said as everyone, including those who just joined the Phantom Thieves, nodded in agreement as Joker huffed and spoke up.

"Fiiine, we can try to contact her. But if this goes pear-shaped, it's on you and Seeker for insisting we get Ichinose's take on things, Mona." Joker said as he used his phone to contact Ichinose, after a few seconds as well as possibly worrying that his phone might not work due to the Metaverse, a familiar voice spoke up.

"Hello, you've reached Kuon Ichinose. This is me speaking." Ichinose said although her tone of voice was slightly more depressed as Joker spoke up as he turned the phone on speaker.

"Ichinose-san, this is Joker. Are you doing alright?" Joker asked as Ichinose spoke up.

"Yeah, I'm doing okay. As of this moment, I'm near the entrance of the Tokyo Radio Tower and staying out of sight as Mona told me to. How's it going with all of you? Were you able to find EMMA?" Ichinose asked as Gumshoe, who was surprised by the AI researcher's tone of voice turned towards Crow and spoke up.

"Huh, now I see that you guys weren't kidding when you told us that Ichinose-san had a change of heart. She sounds like a completely different person." Gumshoe said as Crow spoke up.

"It took a while for her to come to her senses. But once Seeker was able to open her eyes to the truth of things, her true personality was able to surface. However, that doesn't mean that I'm not still on edge regarding her though." Crow said as Gumshoe nodded as Draconis spoke up while answering Ichinose's earlier questions.

"We're doing alright. We managed to get some additional allies to help us stop EMMA. As for finding her, we managed to do so at the top of the tower. However, we encountered a slight roadblock upon reaching her and we kinda wanted your opinion on a possible plan to get around it." Draconis said as Ichinose spoke up.

"I see. So, what seems to be the problem?" Ichinose asked as the group that had been in the Jail of the Abyss explained their situation to Ichinose in regards to what they just went through as well as informing her of the idea of sending EMMA a calling card. Once they were finished, Wolf spoke up.

"...And that's the plan. So, how does it sound to the EMMA expert?" Wolf asked as Ichinose spoke up over the phone.

"To be honest? I'm fairly certain your plan won't have any effect. EMMA constantly tests hypothetical outcomes to determine the best course of action. Nothing is ignored or left to chance in her processes. She's also incapable of being confused or upset beyond reason." Ichinose said as Skull frowned and spoke up.

"For real!? But, we're talkin' about a calling card here! Ain't that at least a little upsetting?" Skull asked as Auburn spoke up.

"Maybe if it was a human target, that'd be true. But EMMA, as we're well aware, is both an AI and on a level akin to that of a god." Auburn pointed out as Ichinose spoke up with a nod of agreement.

"Exactly, Auburn. EMMA has been observing you all this time. She's well aware of calling cards and their functions." Ichinose said as Draconis groaned and spoke up.

"Probably because she practically lived rent-free inside of most of our phones this entire time. We basically gave her an insider's look at what we do this whole time. So of course she'd be wise to most of our tricks by now." Draconis deadpanned as Mona nodded and spoke up.

"That makes sense, Draconis. So the lack of surprise at a calling card keeps us from getting the change in cognition we need." Mona said as Wolf spoke up.

"Ugh, the more we talk about it, the more useless a calling card seems in this situation, which sucks." Wolf said as Noir frowned and spoke up.

"But, without one, there's very little we can do!" Noir said as Fox spoke up.

"Yes, that's true, Noir. Without one, we won't be able to progress. As long as the people feel they need EMMA, we have no way of eliminating the fog." Fox said as Skull growled and spoke up.

"Ngh, are you for real right now, Fox? What the hell? Everyone gatherin' around this big fake god like a buncha idiots being led around mindlessly pisses me off. And besides, what kinda life is that!?" Skull said as Crow spoke up with a grim nod.

"I never thought I'd say this, but Skull's right. That's not much of a life at all." Crow said as Seeker winced and spoke up.

"Skull, let's try and not let our emotions get the better of us, yeah?" Seeker said as Mona spoke up with wide eyes.

"Actually, wait! Skull has a good point! Isn't that odd? Why ARE the Desires all gathering here!?" Mona asked as Panther spoke up in confusion.

"Uh, what's weird about all that?" Panther asked as Draconis spoke up.

"You mean besides the fact that this Jail seems to have no discernible Monarch unless we assume that EMMA herself has taken up the role? And while that may be the case, I find the possibility of EMMA making herself a Monarch to be unlikely since she needed the help of Madicce to make the previous batch of Monarchs. Not to mention the fact that Ichinose didn't act anything like a Monarch when we confronted her in the Jail of the Abyss.

In light of all that, I agree that this is rather unusual, particularly given the glaring lack of elements in this Jail that were present in most of the previous ones, such as a cage to contain the Desires. However, I have a feeling EMMA is gathering the Desires to obtain the power to fulfill this 'ultimate Desire' that she was talking about before." Draconis said as Joker spoke up with a nod.

"Draconis is right! If this is a Jail, where's the Monarch?" Joker asked as Mona shook his head and spoke up.

"No, that's not it, Joker. Draconis also mentioned that there was a lack of a cage for the Desires to go in, the Shadows that usually take them there, and even a lack of Cores for us to seize to open up said cage. All these things we've seen in most of the previous Jails are missing here." Mona said as Fae frowned and spoke up.

"Jails? Desires? Cores? Was that part of the explanation you gave us before that I missed?" Fae asked as Diva spoke up.

"No, I don't think they explained that at all before. At least not in detail regarding how Jails properly work. So it's not a surprise that the eight of us who just joined are as lost as you are, Fae." Diva said as Ronin, Buchi, Shinobi, Gumshoe, Bruiser, and Sentinel nodded and/or barked their agreement before Seeker spoke up.

"We can explain that later, you guys. But going back to what Mona was saying regarding the missing stuff from past Jails, that is likely due to the difference in will between the Desires' owners." Seeker said as Noir frowned and spoke up.

"Difference of will?" Noir asked as Seraphim spoke up.

"What do you mean by that, Seeker?" Seraphim asked as Seeker spoke up.

"In each Jail before this aside from the Kyoto Jail, Yongen Jail, and the Jail of the Abyss, Desires were forcefully seized by a Monarch. In contrast, EMMA does not seize any Desires. They are instead offered willingly by their owners." Seeker said as Ichinose spoke up from over the phone.

"Right, Seeker. They're begging their 'god' EMMA to save them. And that's why they're giving up their precious Desires to EMMA so willingly." Ichinose said as Wolf spoke up with a nod.

"I see. So that's why they all stick to EMMA despite the lack of a cage." Wolf said as Noir spoke up with a sad frown.

"Oh, the people just surrendered their own Desires? That's so sad to think about." Noir said as Sentinel nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed, that is a rather regrettable notion to consider." Sentinel said as Ichinose spoke up over the phone.

"Indeed. However, EMMA still doesn't consider those Desires to be her own. All she's doing is granting the true Desire of the masses. Perhaps that's why there's no Birdcage to contain the Desires? Because she never actually wanted theirs?" Ichinose mused as Queen spoke up in realization, her eyes widening slightly as she spoke.

"I see. And that would explain why they haven't taken any concrete form." Queen said as Ichinose spoke up at that point over the phone.

"Correct. The will of the masses pushed EMMA to godlike status. If nothing else, the Desire you've seen is proof enough of this." Ichinose said as Panther spoke up.

"Waiiiit, you say the will of the masses gave EMMA the power she has now? If so, then doesn't that mean that we just have to get everyone to remember why their Desires were important to them?" Panther said as the rest of the group's eyes widened at this and Mona spoke up.

"Oh? Yeah, that's it! There's our Panther for ya!" Mona said as Panther spoke up in shock.

"Huh!?" Panther asked as Seeker sweatdropped and spoke up.

"Note to self: Even after we're together, Mona will always be a Panther simp." Seeker said, not seeing Draconis, Joker, Crow, Shinobi, Skull, and Bruiser all have to stifle laughter at the stunned looks on Mona and Panther's faces at Seeker's remark while Violet frowned and spoke up.

"Try not to be upset with Mona, Seeker. He's always going to love Panther to some extent, but I'm sure his heart mainly belongs to you. DOESN'T IT, MONA!?" Violet said, her voice going scarily calm yet icy on the last three words as Mona frantically nodded and spoke up.

"Y-Yes, Violet! I might always care for Lady Panther, but I'm committed to and in love with Lady Seeker. Sorry for making you doubt that, Lady Seeker. But anyways, getting back on topic, we just have to make them remember! They all cared about something at some point, right?" Mona said as Noir nodded and spoke up.

"Right! And if we remind them of that, the Desires will hopefully regain their form!" Noir said as Fox spoke up.

"Luckily for us, there's no cage in the way this time, meaning no need to mess with a Trauma Cell or Lock Keeper. As such, returning the Desires to their rightful owners should be one step quicker for us, at least in theory." Fox said as Mona spoke up with a nod.

"Okay, looks like we know who's getting our calling card now." Mona said as Joker nodded his agreement before speaking up.

"Right. Rather obviously, our target this time is in fact the very masses we've been working to save for so long. This time, we have to save them from themselves." Joker said as Mona nodded and spoke up approvingly.

"Yeah, we're sending it out to all the people who gave up their Desires!" Mona said as Skull pumped a fist and spoke up.

"Awesome, let's do it! Get ready for our calling card, people!" Skull said as Diva frowned and spoke up.

"Uh, if we do send the calling card to the masses, how do we ensure they get it?" Diva asked as Queen spoke up with a nod.

"Good question, Diva. And it ties in nicely to what I was about to bring up. Namely, the fact that our next move should be to work out our delivery method. We have to find a way to reach every person under EMMA's control or this won't work." Queen said as Fox frowned and spoke up.

"True. I'm not sure the usual methods will work here. It even seemed like our voices weren't reaching them." Fox said as Noir frowned and spoke up.

"Yeah, true. It seemed like they were all just absorbed in their phones rather than aware of anything around them." Noir said as Violet turned to Joker and spoke up.

"What do you think, Joker? What's your take on how we should send the calling card" Violet asked as her boyfriend spoke up.

"Normally, I'd suggest we use the TV, since it worked well for us on three separate occasions in the past, such as our broadcast to Shido, the video broadcast we sent out to Alice, and the Futaba Cannon broadcast we did on that blimp for Konoe recently. But since everyone seems so absorbed in their phones, what if we used EMMA to send the calling card somehow?" Joker suggested. Panther nodded and spoke up uncertainly.

"Well, yeah, that's true. If you can get EMMA to display the calling card, that should do it. But that raises the question of how we can do that?" Panther asked with a frown as Oracle spoke up.

"I don't see any other way. I'm gonna have to hack EMMA." Oracle said as Draconis, who'd gone rather quiet while seemingly lost in thought, suddenly spoke up.

"That's one way to do it. But in addition to that, what if we used the fact that everyone is absorbed in their phones to our advantage and tried broadcasting something to get their attention? In fact, I may just have the perfect idea that might allow us to slip a calling card to the masses right under EMMA's nose." Draconis said as Ronin spoke up.

"You got something in mind, Draconis?" Ronin as Draconis spoke up with a smirk. unaware that his next words would end up surprising the group.

"Yes, Ronin. And this idea involves your wife in some capacity." Draconis said as Diva gasped and spoke up.

"Wait, me!? How can I help with the calling card!?" Diva asked as Violet spoke up.

"Yeah, how can Diva help? I mean, aside from her navigation abilities along with having a combat-specced Persona, I don't see her bringing anything else to the table. Uh, no offense, Diva." Violet said and as Diva forgave her fellow teammate, Draconis smirked and spoke up.

"That's where you're wrong, Violet. Diva does have one other profession. And it will be this particular occupation that will give us the advantage that we need." Draconis said as Diva blinked before realization dawned on her face as the full implications of what Draconis was alluding to hit her, at which point her eyes widened as she spoke up.

"Hold on, are you saying what I think you're saying?" Diva asked as Draconis nodded and spoke up.

"Yes, I'm talking about setting up a concert and broadcasting it to the masses." Draconis said as his words ended up shocking the group completely. After a few seconds of stunned silence, Skull spoke up.

"For real?" Skull asked Shinobi spoke up.

"I have to agree with Skull. Are you being serious right now?" Shinobi said as Crow spoke up.

"As someone who has known Draconis for a long time, I can tell when he's determined about an idea." Crow said as Bruiser spoke up.

"True that, Crow. Given his mindset, it's not surprising that the 'Kung-Fu Dragon' would come up with something like this." Bruiser said as Joker spoke up.

"But still, how can Diva performing a concert help us sort out the calling card?" Joker asked as Draconis smirked and spoke up.

"It's quite simple, Joker. The concert can be used to pass our calling card broadcast off as a pro-EMMA rally, aiming to capture the attention of all those who want her to save them. We could even call it 'EMMA's Welcome To The Promised Land' tour. And then we have some of our more talented members put on a show to draw the masses' attention, after which we slip in the calling card under the pretext of 'a word from our sponsors', as is often done in televised programming." Draconis said as Skull spoke up with wide eyes.

"Can you actually be able to do that, Draconis?" Skull asked as Draconis spoke up.

"Alone? Probably not. But if we were to make use of Diva's idol status and singing voice, along with a combination of Seraphim, Shinobi, and especially Ronin's closeness to Diva, Auburn's closeness to Seraphim, as well as some of the more well-known people in our group, such as myself, Bruiser, Panther, and Fae, I think we might have a very realistic chance of pulling this off.

Not only that, but between the star power of the nine people I listed, that would be a pretty good block of star power that we can make use of for the purposes of this plan. That is, assuming that everyone whose names I listed just now are willing to go along with it. Furthermore, while we do that, some of the others can write up the calling card for the masses. Once the concert reaches its halfway point, we can send it during a commercial break under the pretext of it being a 'word from the sponsors'. After that, those of us putting on the show would then finish out the concert and keep the attention of the masses.

As soon as the concert is over, we would then reconvene to ensure that the calling card had the intended effect before we make our way back here to confront EMMA. Mind you, that part hinges heavily on all of us managing to do our part perfectly. I know this plan is very risky and a bit complicated/convoluted, sure, but if we can pull it off? It should achieve our purposes rather nicely. Of course, this all hinges on Oracle being able to hack EMMA and get us a signal to be able to broadcast our concert." Draconis said as Oracle spoke up.

"Your idea is sound, Draconis. And when it comes to my ability to hack EMMA? On any other day, I'd say it's impossible to pull off since the last time I looked into it, the security protocols around EMMA were insane. But I've got to give it a shot at this point. Otherwise, we know what happens with the world if EMMA takes full control." Oracle said as Ichinose frowned and spoke up over the phone.

"In that case, if that's your plan? I recommend tracking down EMMA's server room. It's somewhere within Tokyo Radio Tower. That'll be your best shot at getting into EMMA. After all, hacking into her from the inside is much easier than trying to do it from the outside." Ichinose said as Diva spoke up.

"I agree with Ichinose's idea. But also, can we touch back on Draconis' idea of a pro-EMMA concert being a pretext for the calling card for a second? I agree that it has a lot of merit, and I'm more than willing to do this if it means saving the world. However, what if we are unable to secure a venue and the concert doesn't happen? Wouldn't we be stuck up shit creek without a paddle if that happens, so to speak?" Diva asked as Wolf spoke up.

"Pretty much. But for now, it's the only plan we've got. And thanks to Ichinose, we've finally got something loosely resembling a working game plan." Wolf said as Mona spoke up.

"Yeah, first we hack into EMMA so that some of us can put on that 'pro-EMMA concert' that Draconis spoke of to draw the attention of the masses." Mona said as Fox spoke up.

"Then, once we've gotten their attention good and proper, we send out our calling card to the brainwashed masses!" Fox said as Ronin spoke up.

"While this idea seems beneficial, there's only one flaw I can see with the plan." Ronin said as Crow spoke up.

"Oh? And what might that be?" Crow asked as Ronin spoke up.

"This. While the group in charge of the concert is keeping the masses busy, they won't have a chance to be involved in the calling card. This means that if Draconis ends up performing in the concert, someone else will have to step up and fill his spot on this occasion. And from what you guys told me before, he has the most writing talent of anyone in the group. So that's a big ask to have someone else fill his spot in writing the calling card." Ronin said as Draconis spoke up.

"Ah, but this assumes we're writing the calling card DURING the concert, Ronin. You forget, we could write it out ahead of time and then send it during the concert. So it's not impossible for all of us to be involved in writing this calling card, and then having some of us involved in the concert." Draconis said as Ronin nodded and spoke up.

"Fair point. I hadn't considered that when I spoke up. If that's the case, I withdraw my objection." Ronin said as Skull grinned and spoke up.

"Cool. In that case, we're countin' on ya, Oracle! Same for you with your part of the plan, Draconis!" Skull said as Oracle blanched at this and spoke up while Draconis nodded his acknowledgement of Skull's words.

"Uh, r-right! I'll do my best." Oracle said as Draconis frowned at Skull disapprovingly before he spoke up.

"Really, Skull? I get you're trying to express faith in her, but can you do it in a way that doesn't come off as putting pressure on her?" Draconis asked flatly as Gumshoe spoke up.

"Considering how much of an imbecile Skull's come off as since I've met him, I'd be surprised if he could do that." Gumshoe said bluntly as Crow smirked at the subtle roast that Gumshoe had given Skull. Ichinose sighed at hearing the plan, but said nothing as Mona spoke up.

"Right! Now that we've got a strategy of sorts, we should move out. We don't have much time!" Mona said as the Pendragon spoke up.

"Agreed. The more time we waste, the more people will fall under EMMA's control." Pendragon as Seeker nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed. But before we head back down, l just want to say thanks for your input on this matter, Ichinose." Seeker said as Ichinose spoke up from Joker's phone.

"It's no problem. Sorry that I wasn't able to do more to help." Ichinose said as Violet smiled and spoke up.

"Nonsense, your thoughts on this matter have been able to greatly help us. You have done more than enough." Violet said as Joker spoke up.

"Agreed. You did well, Ichinose-san. But for now, just continue to stay out of sight until we finish off EMMA. Once this is done, we'll come find you afterwards." Joker said as Ichinose sighed and spoke up.

"Alright, just be careful out there, Joker. The same goes for Seeker and the rest of you guys." Ichinose said as Joker spoke up.

"Don't worry, we will be fine. We'll see you when this is all over." Joker said as he ended the call he then turned towards the others and kept speaking.

"Alright guys, let's make our way to the server room so we can initiate this plan. So, let's get going." Joker said as the other nodded as the group then got back in the elevator to proceed back down into the tower and headed for the server room to initiate the plan...

(Around the same time as the conversation about EMMA, near the entrance of the Tokyo Radio Tower, with Maruki)

After much traversing and narrowly avoiding Shadows, Maruki finally arrived at his destination. As he got close enough to the Tokyo Radio Tower to see what was going on, Maruki frowned as he saw what looked to be a large group of people who were currently looking down at their phones as they walked slowly into the tower and vanishing into thin air, making him blink as he spoke up to himself.

"What the heck? Am I losing it, or did those people just vanish into thin air after entering the tower?" Maruki said to himself as he got closer to another batch of people who were proceeding to walk into the tower as he approached them and spoke up.

"Excuse me? Do any of you know what's going on here?" Maruki asked as one person spoke up, albeit not answering his question as the person was looking at his phone.

"I no longer have to worry as long as EMMA guides me." The person said as another spoke up.

"No longer will we have to think for ourselves. EMMA will bring us happiness." The second person said as Maruki spoke up.

"Hold on a second, EMMA? As in the virtual assistant, EMMA? I thought she was supposed to be shut down after Konoe's confession!?" Maruki said to himself as another person spoke up.

"As long as I have EMMA, I don't have to do anything?" The person said as another spoke up.

"She will lead us to a world where we are free. A world without pain and suffering." The second person said as Maruki's eyes widened as he took a step back as a thought entered his mind upon hearing the person's words.

"The way these people are acting, it's almost as if they want to live in a world where they're happy and free, which is almost exactly what I almost achieved had the Phantom Thieves not stopped me and brought me to my senses. However, in comparison to me, where I allowed the people in my alternate reality free will along with eternal happiness, these guys are more or less losing that sense of will as they rely on what appears to be EMMA to bring them happiness. If that's the case, could it be that EMMA was the one who brought me and the others here to the Metaverse, caused the Tokyo Radio Tower to transform, and that she's trying to do something similar to what I've done? I must know for sure." Maruki thought to himself as he then proceeded to walk around the base of the tower to see if there was anyone around who was not brainwashed to see if he could get some answers, but to his dismay, he wasn't able to find any sort of person.

But just as he was about to give up and head into the tower itself, from the corner of his eye he saw what appeared to be a brown-haired woman with very striking grey eyes, and a very simple outfit comprising a cream-colored trench coat, a white and light grey striped button up dress shirt grey leggings, and black shoes with grey laces, talking on the phone. After concluding to himself that she didn't appear to be acting like the others, Maruki decided to approach the woman to ask what was going on. However, just as he was getting close, the woman spoke up as her words ended up surprising Maruki.

"Alright, just be careful out there, Joker. The same goes for Seeker and the rest of you guys." The woman said as Maruki stopped his approach as he took in what the woman just said as he spoke his next words in his mind.

"Wait, did that woman just say Joker? As in Amamiya the middle? Surely that can't just be a coincidence. But if she knows him, then that means she's aware of the Phantom Thieves and who they really are if she was able to get in contact with them via the phone. Taking that into account, maybe she might be able to tell me what's going on here with the people and with EMMA?" Maruki thought to himself as he then walked towards the woman again. And once he was close enough to the woman, Maruki took note of the fact that she was now off the phone and looking towards another group of brainwashed people who were just standing in front of the tower looking lifeless. As Maruki was just about a foot away from her, the woman sighed and spoke up.

"I guess they were right after all. To think it had taken my first creation, as well as seeing these people who are nothing more than lifeless husks, for me to realize what a human doll is like." The woman said as Maruki spoke up.

"Excuse me?" Maruki asked as the woman yelped and jumped back upon taking note of someone behind her as Maruki raised both of his hands and spoke up again.

"Whoa, whoa, it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you. Sorry for scaring you." Maruki said as the woman spoke up after a few deep breaths as well as taking note of the newcomer not being like the others.

"Y...You're not one of them?" The woman asked as Maruki chuckled and spoke up.

"Does it look like I'm one of them? Because, aside from you and me, everyone else is more or less looking down at their phones and not caring at all." Maruki said as the woman spoke up.

"Fair point. Sorry for my reaction, I just didn't expect to see anyone else who was not like those who entered that tower." The woman said as Maruki spoke up.

"That's understandable. My apologies for startling you just now." Maruki asked as the woman spoke up.

"It's alright. I probably would've done the same if our roles were reversed. But still, it is surprising for me to see someone other than myself here. I'm guessing you also got drawn here by what's going on, too?" The woman asked Maruki, who nodded and spoke up.

"That's correct. I saw the Tokyo Radio Tower transform and got curious about what was going on, so I decided to check it out. Judging by the fact you're here, I'd say that you had the same idea. Am I right?" Maruki asked as the woman nodded her agreement and spoke up.

"Not exactly. You see, I didn't come here of my own volition, rather it's due to being with some other people that I'm acquainted with." The woman said as Maruki spoke up.

"I see. Then if that's the case, then how come you're here by yourself instead of being with your colleagues?" Maruki asked as the woman spoke up as she spoke up with unease in her voice.

"Well, let's just say that they left me behind for my protection. And I don't blame them seeing as they're much more capable than me." The woman said as Maruki chuckled and spoke up as his next.

"That's all I needed to hear. Forgive me for asking you this, but I don't suppose you know the Phantom Thieves of Hearts?" Maruki asked as the woman's eyes widened in shock as she spoke up as she frantically attempted to choose her next words.

"Wait, what? The Phantom Thieves? As in, the guys who helped reform society a few years ago? W...What makes you think I know them? I mean, it's not like I've ever met them. Sure, those guys are famous and all, but the chances of me meeting them are slim to none. Especially since I don't know their real identities along with..." The woman said but her rambling got interrupted as Maruki spoke up.

"You know Amamiya the middle, don't you?" Maruki asked firmly as the woman stopped to slowly register the name that Maruki just mentioned. It was only after a few seconds that she spoke up.

"H-How did you..." The woman said as Maruki spoke up.

"As someone who was once a counselor, I can tell when people are nervous about keeping something a secret. But to answer your question, I also know the Phantom Thieves and I'm aware of who they really are. Not only that, but I overheard you mention Joker's name while you were talking on the phone. And based on my knowledge, there is really only one person that I know who goes by that name." Maruki said as the woman stared at him, completely astonished that this man was able to know who the Phantom Thieves were. After a few seconds, the woman sighed and spoke up.

"Alright. You got me. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to meet someone else who knows them. But yes, they were the people whom I was with earlier. Although, I guess you can say that my relationship with them is complicated at the moment." The woman said with guilt in her voice as Maruki quickly deduced based on the look on her face and spoke up.

"That makes two of us. You're not the only one who has a rocky relationship with them." Maruki said as the woman raised an eyebrow and spoke up in surprise.

"Wait. Were you once an enemy to them?" The woman asked as Maruki nodded and spoke up.

"You could say that. Let's just say that my actions, which I thought were best for society, ended up distorting my heart in the process to the point where they had to stop me. But that's a story for another time. I assume that since you're acquainted with the Phantom Thieves, do you know more about what's going on here?" Maruki asked the woman, who smiled and spoke up.

"Well, I suppose that if you know who Joker and the others are, I guess I could tell you. Are you familiar with the virtual assistant, EMMA?" The woman asked as Maruki slowly nodded and spoke up.

"I am aware of it. The wife of my friend Shibusawa had it installed for a time before he convinced her to uninstall it. And just in time, because right after he managed to get her to remove it, we all saw Konoe-san's confession on live TV, in which he admitted to using the app for evil. Initially, we thought that EMMA would be shut down not too long after his confession. However, judging by the way people are acting, I'm guessing that what's happening here has something to do with the app?" Maruki asked as the woman winced and nodded as she spoke up.

"Unfortunately, yes. What's happening now is the result of EMMA granting the people their ultimate Desire. As a result, the people ended up having their hearts changed as they wanted to rely on EMMA to guide them to happiness and give them the answers they sought. Thus, it allowed her to evolve from a simple AI to a god, all so she could guide people to what EMMA herself calls the 'Promised Land'." The woman said as Maruki frowned and spoke up, now concluding that what was happening was almost exactly what he had done three and a half years ago.

"I see then. So that explains why the Metaverse and the human world are merging again. That is quite unfortunate." Maruki said as the woman sighed and spoke up.

"Indeed. But I guess you could say that EMMA's rise to godhood isn't just her own doing, as a part of it falls on me too." The woman said with guilt as Maruki spoke up with confusion on his face.

"You as well? Wait, are you saying that you're the one who created EMMA?" Maruki asked as the woman nodded and spoke up with a small smile.

"Yep, that's me. Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier. I'm Kuon Ichinose." The now-named Ichinose asked as Maruki spoke up.

"Ichinose, huh? Nice to meet you, I suppose. But that doesn't really tell me how your actions led to EMMA becoming what she is now." Maruki said as Ichinose sighed and spoke up.

"I supposed it's best if I tell you my story. If you don't mind." Ichinose said as Maruki smiled and spoke up.

"Not at all. As I mentioned before, I was once a counselor for a time back in the day, so I'm always open to hearing someone out." Maruki said as Ichinose proceeded to tell Maruki everything that transpired. From how she considered herself a heartless doll, to creating both Sophia and later EMMA, to selling the latter creation to Madicce, and watching how her creation evolved due to her being taught cognitive psience.

She also then told Maruki of her encounters with the Phantom Thieves from how they met, all the way to her betrayal and confrontation with them where she sided with EMMA and her beliefs, and used her other creation Sophia to kill the Phantom Thieves, which Maruki ended up being shocked considering what he already knew about Sophia after meeting her back in Osaka and the fact that she was a pseudo-daughter to Ren and Sumire.

This was then followed by him learning from Ichinose how Sophia was able to change her heart and make her realize that suppressing her emotions and cutting herself from others caused her to feel lonely in the process. As a result, she ended up regretting her actions to them along with now realizing what a real human doll upon seeing how the other people are acting and feeling upon returning to the real world as a result of EMMA's actions. After her story was finished, Maruki spoke up.

"I see. So you ended up following EMMA under the belief that she was doing the right thing for society." Maruki said as Ichinose nodded and spoke up.

"Yes. At the time, I believe that EMMA was acting in the best interest of humanity. However, thanks to Sophia, also known as Seeker among the Phantom Thieves, I was able to fully understand the meaning of the heart and comprehend the consequences of EMMA granting humanity's true Desire. This made me regret everything that I've done." Ichinose said as Maruki spoke up.

"Well, at least you were able to come to your senses in such a short time. For me, it took much longer than that." Maruki said as Ichinose spoke up.

"You did state earlier that you were once an enemy of the Phantom Thieves, right? Also, now that I think about it, I don't think you have told me your name yet." Ichinose said as Maruki blinked for speaking up.

"Ah, right. Pardon my own rudeness. My name is-" Maruki said, only to notice a figure rushing at them from Ichinose's behind with multiple swords in hand as Maruki spoke up again in alarm.

"Ichinose-san! LOOK OUT!" Maruki said as he pushed Ichinose out of the way along with himself, as they both dodged out the way of a sword trying to slice them in half. As soon as they got their bearings, the two of them both turned to see a scowling Shadow looking ready to kill them both as Maruki spoke up.

"Well, that's not good. It looks like we were discovered by a Shadow!?" Maruki said as Ichinose spoke up with a hint of fear on her face.

"No kidding. I guess we shouldn't have talked out in the open." Ichinose said as she regretted not being more cautious in hiding herself as the Shadow directed its gaze towards Ichinose and spoke up.

"KUON ICHINOSE! Under orders from Lady EMMA, you are to be terminated immediately." The Shadow said as Ichinose spoke up with anger on her face.

"Terminated!? I...I'm pretty sure there's some sort of mistake and..." Ichinose said but the Shadow spoke up again as it cut her off.

"There's no mistake. Lady EMMA is fully aware of your failure to stop the Phantom Thieves, as well as your betrayal by aiding them in their escape from the Jail that my lady trapped them in. Thus, she declares that you are no longer useful to her and seeks to eliminate you to avoid posing a threat later on." The enemy, who Maruki vaguely thought might be called a 'Kali', said as it readied its sword at Ichinose, prompting Maruki to step in front of her as he spoke up.

"Sorry, but you're not laying a finger on her." Maruki said as the Shadow spoke up.

"Out of the way, foolish human. This woman is a traitor to Lady EMMA's plans and must be exterminated." The Shadow said as Maruki glared at the four-armed being as he spoke up.

"I can't let you do that. If you want to get to her, you're going to have to go through me, first." Maruki said as Ichinose spoke up with horror on her face.

"Are you crazy? You do realize that's a Shadow, right?" Ichinose asked as Maruki turned his head towards her and spoke up.

"I can see that. But it's not like I haven't dealt with Shadows in the past, even though at the time they were once my ally." Maruki said as he faced the Shadow again as it spoke up.

"I will only say this once, stand aside or I will cut you down as well." The Shadow said as Maruki spoke up.

"That's ironic, seeing as you just tried to kill me along with Ichinose-san. And if you think I'm going to stand aside and let you harm her, then you're sadly mistaken." Maruki said as the Shadow spoke up.

"And what can you do, foolish human? You are nothing more than powerless against me." The Shadow said as Maruki spoke up as he spoke his next words in his mind.

"I know we haven't fought together in years, and even I'm not sure if you're still within me and not destroyed during our battle with the Phantom Thieves all those years ago. But still, I'm in desperate need of your power right now, old friend. Please, if you are still in there, give me this chance to right my wrongs and allow me this one chance at redemption. And I know for certain that after all this time, you also want this chance as well." Maruki thought to himself as he then felt something within him as a familiar feeling was beginning to rise as if was trying to reach the surface from the depths of Maruki's heart. Upon realizing what it was, Maruki smiled as he spoke up and addressed what the Shadow had said.

"You may think that I have nothing to use, but that's when you're wrong. I do have something I can use against you, something that I haven't used in quite a long time. And even though the last time I used it was for my own twisted desires, I'm willing to make up for it by doing what's right for the good of the world. I refuse to let EMMA achieve the same feat that I almost did, by allowing the people to be brainwashed to follow her guidance, just so they can achieve eternal happiness. So if I have to take a page out of the Phantom Thieves' book and rebel against the very thing that I tried to do so long ago, THEN SO BE IT!" Maruki said before grunting as he felt a familiar voice in his head as he went to a knee while grabbing his forehead.

(True Awakening Start-Maruki)

"You've kept me waiting for too long, Takuto Maruki. For three and a half long years, you let me sit in limbo and wonder if you'd given up on me after the Phantom Thieves defeated us. But tell me, my fated partner. Do you have the courage, backbone, resolve, and conviction to wipe your slate clean and start anew!? Have you finally come to your senses as I did, and are willing to use our power for good this time, instead of for misguided evil like you were all those years ago!?" Maruki heard as he grunted and screamed in pain and spoke up as Ichinose watched in both shock and awe as she recalled what happened with Sophia not too long ago.

"Yes. I have found my resolve, old friend. My apologies for making you wait, but I've finally realized what I must do. I need to make things right with you, try to make amends with the Phantom Thieves for real this time, and most importantly? We need to make sure that EMMA doesn't succeed where we have failed. So if you can forgive me for my mistakes and allow me to re-forge our contract, that would be much appreciated." Maruki said as he heard the voice in his head again.

"So be it. I have heard your words and heeded your resolve. Much as we sealed a pact to echo thy righteous and blasphemous fury and punish those who were responsible for wronging you, let us now reforge our contract, and make it even stronger as we forge it in the righteous flames of justice and virtue! If thou art truly serious about changing thy ways and doing the right thing, then vow to me once more!

I am thou... Thou art I... Where once you were determined to give all of mankind what you believed to be their ideal reality, let us now instead work to save mankind from that which seeks to enslave and subjugate it similarly to our previous endeavor! At this point, you need only call my name and our bond will be reforged." Maruki heard as he spat a bit of blood out of his mouth from where he'd accidentally split his lip open biting down on it to not scream from the headache he was nursing. At that point, Maruki felt a flash of blue flame over his face, which was then replaced by a different mask than the one he'd remembered.

Where his original mask had been golden and in the shape of a pope's hat, this one was red, smaller, and in the shape of a bird. Frowning at the change in his mask, Maruki decided to not worry about it as he tugged at the mask, and after a few seconds of struggling, his mask started to come off as Maruki spoke up again to invoke his Persona's name.

"I understand. Then it's time for us to reignite our flame of rebellion and to change from what we once were. If you're serious about helping me again, then heed my call, and appear to me now! COME TO ME, ADAM KADMON!" Maruki yelled as he then succeeded in tearing his mask away from his face in a spray of blood, leaving a bloodstain on his face in the shape of the mask he'd just yanked off just as a giant pillar of blue flame burst up and briefly obscure Maruki from view. Once the flames were gone and Maruki was visible again, he was wearing a vastly different set of Metaverse attire than what he'd previously worn.

Where once he was wearing a very regal robe suitable to be that of a pope, Maruki now wore a mostly white outfit, with a flowing red chestpiece that also went down his back slightly, topped with a pair of golden shoulder pads, and the red mask from before. The rest of his outfit was nearly entirely white, aside from the black belt holding the white jeans up, along with the black shoes with red laces that Maruki wore. After he finished his transformation, Maruki spoke up once more after a smaller version of Adam Kadmon appeared behind him

(True Awakening End-Maruki)

"Good. Our contract has been re-forged. Now, let us eliminate our foe." Maruki said as he brandished a snake sword that had appeared in one hand. Although he noted the gun attached to his hip, Maruki decided to not use it and resorted to just using his new sword to help him fight off the Shadow alongside Adam Kadmon. Throughout the fight, Maruki was able to get used to his new weapon as he parried the Shadow's sword attacks along with quickly remembering his Persona's techniques as well as noting some of his old Persona Azathoth's skills being included in Adam Kadmon's skill set.

A short time later, Adam Kadmon was able to weaken after firing multiple laser blasts of Bless energy, which allowed Maruki to stab the Shadow right through its chest using his new snake sword. After the Shadow was reduced to black mist, Ichinose, who was in complete shock and awe after seeing Maruki's new look and power, spoke up.

"Incredible! I had never seen such power before! And from the looks of your attire, I'm guessing you're a Phantom Thief as well!?" Ichinose asked as Maruki spoke up with a shake of his head.

"No, I'm afraid I'm not one of them, strictly speaking. As I mentioned earlier, I was previously their enemy the last time they ran into me in the Metaverse. But enough about me, are you alright, Ichinose-san?" Maruki asked as Ichinose nodded and spoke up, either not aware of or choosing to ignore the subtle hints of pink on her face as she spoke.

"D...Don't worry, I'm fine. Thank you for saving me, sir. I owe you my gratitude." Ichinose said as she bowed her head as Maruki chuckled and spoke up.

"There's no need for formalities. I was just doing what was considered to be right. Oh, and you don't need to call me sir, Ichinose-san." Maruki said as Ichinose blinked and spoke up.

"Oh, right. Sorry about that. It's just that with what happened just now, I haven't even gotten your name yet." Ichinose said as Maruki smiled and spoke up.

"Ah, yes. Forgive me for not being able to properly introduce myself due to us being interrupted. My name is Takuto Maruki. It's a pleasure to meet you." Maruki asked as Ichinose nodded, blushing in embarrassment at her own forgetting about being interrupted but soon spoke up upon realizing the familiarity of the name that the man introduced himself with.

"Takuto Maruki. Ah, that's right. Now I know why you look familiar. You were the one that some of the Phantom Thieves spoke of when they fought against me recently. From what I heard from those such as Violet and Draconis, they said that you almost achieved a similar plan to what EMMA is now doing but ended up being stopped thanks to them changing your heart." Ichinose said sagely as Maruki nodded before speaking up.

"Ah, I see that they have already mentioned me to you, as well as what I've done. I suppose it's not surprising that they brought me up if EMMA is attempting to achieve the same thing that I almost did. But, you are correct nonetheless. A long while ago, I too wanted to do what is right for humanity by providing them with what they desire in the form of eternal happiness without any sign of suffering. However, I later realized that my goals were flawed and that all humans require things like pain and loss in order to facilitate personal growth. Joker and his brother Draconis helped me to see the truth of my mistakes when they changed my heart three and a half years ago." Maruki asked as Ichinose spoke up.

"How interesting. I didn't think that you and I were similar when it comes to realizing that our original ideologies were flawed." Ichinose said as Maruki spoke up.

"I was able to realize that myself after hearing your story. In addition, just as you stated earlier that you regret your actions against the Phantom Thieves, I also feel the same regarding mine." Maruki said as Ichinose spoke up.

"Surely you jest, Maruki-san. I mean, what could be worse than having to turn one of their own against them?" Ichinose asked as Maruki sighed and spoke up with a frown on his face.

"How about changing Violet's cognition to make her believe she was her deceased sister, or even imprisoning Draconis and leaving him chained in my cognitive realm for many days." Maruki said as Ichinose blinked her eyes widened in shock at what Maruki had done. It was after a few seconds that she spoke up with guilt in her voice.

"Okay, I definitely didn't expect that. I'm sorry for making you bring up something that I didn't think was worse than what I've done, Maruki-san." Ichinose asked as Maruki nodded and spoke up.

"It's okay. I don't blame you for being curious. It's only fair that I told you what I've done just as you told me yours. But with that being said, do you happen to know where the Phantom Thieves are in the Tokyo Radio Tower?" Maruki asked as Ichinose spoke up.

"Well, from what I recall during my last conversation with them, they were making their way to EMMA's server room, which I believe is located somewhere in the middle of the tower, or rather the Jail that EMMA created in the Tokyo Radio Tower." Ichinose said as Maruki frowned and spoke up.

"Jails, you say? You've mentioned that name a couple of times now. I assume that these Jails are what EMMA replaced Palaces with?" Maruki asked as Ichinose spoke up with confusion on her face.

"Palaces? I'm not sure what you mean by that." Ichinose said as Maruki spoke up with a surprised look on his face.

"Huh, I guess you weren't quite aware of the cognitive world until you discovered the Metaverse thanks to EMMA. Well, to give you a summary, Palaces are another form of the cognitive world in the Metaverse, and they're normally created by people who have distorted desires. If a person enters specific keywords into a Metaverse Navigator, they can be warped into the cognitive world in front of a Palace.

These places tend to be in the form of what a person thinks of a place in the real world as something else. For me specifically, back when I was still an enemy of the Phantom Thieves, my Palace was in the form of a laboratory in the Metaverse. However, in the real world, it was in the form of a stadium that was planned to be reconstructed into a cognitive research facility before it was stopped due to fundraising being halted." Maruki said as Ichinose spoke up with curiosity on her face.

"Interesting. So these Palaces seem to function similarly to Jails, but unlike them, they are more or less centered around a specific location rather than an entire city." Ichinose said as Maruki nodded and spoke up.

"Correct. To finish my summary, each Palace usually contains a Treasure, which is an item that the Shadow Self of the distorted person harbors to protect. And although that item at first appears without a physical form, that is what keeps the Palace intact. This is essentially what the Phantom Thieves were after during their original run three and a half years ago.

They infiltrate the Palace, find the Treasure, send the calling card in order to make the Treasure materialize physically, and then take the Treasure the following day which normally involves a battle against the ruler of the Palace. Once the Treasure is gone from the Palace, it normally ends up collapsing on itself as well as being wiped from the Metaverse entirely. This then causes the person who originally had distorted desires to undergo a change of heart." Maruki said as Ichinose spoke up.

"I see then. To think there are so many similarities and differences between Jails and these Palaces. Although, instead of a Monarch protecting Desires, much less stealing them from individuals, they're protecting a Treasure." Ichinose said as Maruki spoke up.

"Yes. However, I can't help but notice that you keep mentioning Desire as if it were an object. I'm guessing that it is equivalent to a Treasure in a Palace, Ichinose-san?" Maruki asked as Ichinose smiled and spoke up.

"I guess you could say that. Desires normally represent a person's wants and essentially their free will. In the Jails, they are normally in the form of a jewel that is housed in a person's Shadow. And if their normal counterpart ends up befriending a Monarch in the real world using EMMA, they end up having their Desire taken along with undergoing a drastic change in personality as they are subjected to the Monarch's whims. In order for the Desires to be free from the Monarch's clutches, they must be materialized physically. And upon a Monarch's downfall, the Desires then return to the people's Shadow selves of which their real-world counterparts will end up reverting back to their original selves." Ichinose said as Maruki nodded in understanding and spoke up.

"I think I understand now. If what you said is true, then the only way to save the people who have been brainwashed is by freeing their Desires and destroying EMMA. However, before that can happen, the Desires themselves need to manifest physically so they can be retrieved. So, if I were the Phantom Thieves, then that means the best course of action would be to..." Maruki said before Ichinose spoke up to finish his sentence.

"Send a calling card, which is what the Phantom Thieves are planning to do upon reaching EMMA's server room in the middle of the tower. From what I recall from my earlier conversation with them, they plan to have Oracle hack EMMA in order to send a calling card to the masses so that their Desires will materialize. And by doing so, they will be able to make EMMA reveal herself, which the Phantom Thieves will then be able to use this opportunity to stop her." Ichinose said as Maruki spoke up, now having a full understanding of what was about to go down.

"Well, in that case, I should probably go and try to catch up with them and see if they need any help. If you said that they're going to the tower's server room, then that's where I'll go. Thank you for your inquiry, Ichinose-san. I'll be on my way now." Maruki said and after bowing to the AI researcher, he then began to make his way towards the doors leading into the tower. But just as he was about to take another step, Ichinose spoke up.

"Wait! Hold on a second, Maruki-san!?" Ichinose said as Maruki stopped to look back at EMMA's creator as she spoke up again after she quickly caught up with him.

"Are you seriously planning on making your way through this tower to get to the Phantom Thieves?" Ichinose asked as Maruki nodded and spoke up in a calm but firm voice.

"That's correct. I can't let this one opportunity to redeem myself for my past actions go to waste. I got to help them." Maruki said as Ichinose spoke up.

"Have you not realized that this tower is EMMA's base of operations? There are bound to be more Shadows in there who will be on the lookout if anyone tries to stop EMMA. And even though I can tell that you are capable of handling yourself, are you really going to be able to handle them all by yourself?" Ichinose asked as Maruki chuckled and spoke up with a smile on his face.

"Don't worry. I may have something that might allow me to get past the Shadows without as so much as lifting a finger." Maruki said as Ichinose spoke up in surprise.

"Wait, are you serious?" Ichinose asked as Maruki nodded and spoke up.

"I am. You see, around four and a half years ago, although I didn't know who he was at the time, I was able to establish a connection with my Persona long before properly awakening to it. Azathoth, who was the previous form of Adam Kadmon, gave me a unique ability called Actualization. With this skill, I can be able to manipulate one's cognition to change their perception of something. If I can use this power on the Shadows, then I can easily get past them without any of them noticing." Maruki said as Ichinose spoke up.

"How fascinating. I didn't think a person could have that sort of power." Ichinose said as Maruki sighed and spoke up.

"Neither did I. But unfortunately, this power has done a lot more harm than good. As I may have mentioned earlier, I was able to change Violet's cognition by making her think she was her dead sister. And while at the time I thought my actions were of good intentions, I soon realized that it was the wrong way to help someone who was in a state of immense grief." Maruki said as he also remembered using this power to help with Rumi's grief, but decided not to mention her as Ichinose spoke up.

"I see. But regardless, if you say that you can be able to get past the Shadows to get to the others, then I'm going with you." Ichinose said as Maruki's eyes widened in shock as he spoke up.

"Are you sure, Ichinose-san? I mean not that I don't mind, but didn't the Phantom Thieves tell you earlier to stay out of sight until they stopped EMMA?" Maruki asked as Ichinose spoke up in a determined voice.

"I am well aware of that. However, you don't know exactly where EMMA's server room is, so you'll end up just wandering aimlessly until you come across it. I, on the other hand, have been to EMMA's server room before when she was being implemented into the tower's server not too long after I sold her to Madicce. Not only that, but after hearing your story with the Phantom Thieves and how you want to redeem yourself, I have now realized that I also need to do something to help in order to make up for my previous mistakes. And something tells me that despite her capabilities, I don't think Oracle will be able to hack into EMMA to send the calling card on her own. So please Maruki-san, from one former villain to another, let me come with you." Ichinose said as Maruki was silent as he thought about what she just said. After a few seconds, he smiled and spoke up.

"Very well then. If you insist that you want to join me to help the Phantom Thieves then by all means. However, if for some reason we ended up encountering Shadows in which my Actualization powers do not work on them, then you need to hide as I take care of things." Maruki said as Ichinose smiled and spoke up as she bowed her head.

"Fair enough. Thank you, Maruki-san. I promise I won't get in your way if it does come to that." Ichinose said as Maruki nodded and the unlikely duo started to make their way into the Tokyo Radio Tower so they could make their way up the Jail after the Phantom Thieves, though not before Maruki turned back once more and saw both Adam Kadmon and Azathoth appeared and nod to each other before resonating and becoming one in a flash of golden light, after which Maruki gasped in shock as his two previous Personas ended up creating a whole new being. After taking note of his new Persona's appearance upon its finished fusion, as well as hearing its name come right to his head, Maruki smiled as his new Persona then disappeared into his heart and after being given new resolve, Maruki ran into the tower to catch up to Ichinose...

(At the same time as the events surrounding Maruki meeting Ichinose and having his true Awakening, elsewhere in the Tree of Knowledge, with Joker, Mona, Skull, Panther, Fox, Queen, Oracle, Noir, Crow, Violet, Draconis, Seeker, Pendragon, Flare, Wolf, Seraphim, Auburn, Ronin, Shinobi, Gumshoe, Diva, Sentinel, Bruiser, Buchi, and Fae)

After making their way partway towards the server room, Fox spoke up.

"Hmm, I recall the server room being around this area somewhere." Fox said as Wolf spoke up.

"Seems accurate to me. But I mean, really? Hacking EMMA to send out a calling card? Is that even possible?" Wolf asked as Oracle spoke up uneasily.

"It should be. I mean, it better be! Otherwise, our whole world's done for!" Oracle said as the group kept moving. After clearing out all the Shadows on the upper floors of the area, the ensuing EXP gains brought Mona, Panther, Fox, Crow, Draconis, Pendragon, Flare, Seraphim, Auburn, Ronin, Shinobi, Gumshoe, Diva, Bruiser, Sentinel, Buchi, and Fae all to level 81. Once the group found the marked location on the map, Crow immediately groaned and spoke up at what the group saw.

"Ugh, why am I not surprised that we're going to be dealing with another hacking battle? But then again, it has been a while since we last did one of these, so I suppose it makes sense that Oracle would have to showcase her hacking skills at least one more time before the big hack." Crow said as Bruiser spoke up.

"I'm guessing this isn't the first time something like this has happened?" Bruiser asked as Draconis nodded and spoke up.

"Correct. A lot of times when we explore Jails, we end up encountering major obstacles that block our path. These obstacles could either be in the form of a strong Shadow or a blocked-off area where Oracle will need to hack her way in to grant us access." Draconis said as Shinobi spoke up.

"That seems simple enough given what we know about Oracle's abilities." Shinobi said as Sentinel frowned and spoke up.

"While that may be true, I believe you have missed the part where Crow said 'hacking battle', Shinobi. If I have to venture a guess, I assume that we're going to need to protect Oracle from any Shadows that try to intervene?" Sentinel asked as Pendragon nodded and spoke up.

"That's basically the gist of it. So while Oracle is hacking to gain us access into the server room, the rest of us will have to protect her from Shadows at all costs." Pendragon said Ronin spoke up.

"Well, if that's the case, at least she has a ton of us to help protect her from any incoming enemies that may try to reach her." Ronin said as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed, Ronin. But we shouldn't underestimate the Shadows, as they can come in large waves. For this battle, I'm considering having Draconis, Crow, Wolf, Pendragon, Shinobi, and Sentinel stay near Oracle and fight off any stragglers that break through the front lines. As for the rest of us, aside from Fae who will be navigating, we will end up dealing with the large number of enemies that will be pouring in." Joker said as Violet giggled and spoke up.

"You know, aside from the Shibuya and Sendai Jails, as well as that one instance in the Okinawa Jail where he did the hacking, all other times that we did these fights always end up with Draconis being one of the people who ends up guarding Oracle." Violet said as Auburn smiled and spoke up.

"Well, what do you expect? Oracle is his girlfriend after all. Oh wait, my bad, I really should've said fiancee." Auburn said as Ronin, Shinobi, Gumshoe, Diva, Bruiser, Sentinel, and Fae all gasped in shock. And Buchi, for his part, was barking happily upon hearing what Auburn just said as Diva spoke up.

"Wait, WHAT!? Did I just hear that right?" Diva said as Fae spoke up.

"You're getting married?" Fae asked her fellow navigator as Oracle nodded and spoke up while showing everyone her ring, which was able to fit perfectly with her Phantom Thief outfit.

"Yup. Draconis proposed to me with my mom's engagement ring. And given how he always had a flair for the dramatic, he ended up popping the question to me in the most spectacular way possible." Oracle said as Gumshoe spoke up.

"I assume that this happened not too long after we last saw each other?" Gumshoe asked as Draconis nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed. Soon after we left you guys, we ended up making a pit stop in Yokohama to participate in a fireworks festival and have one last moment to commemorate our trip across the country. I ended up using that as the perfect opportunity to propose to Oracle. However, if it weren't for the fact that EMMA then started to fuse the real world and the Metaverse shortly after, that moment would have made for the perfect ending to our trip." Draconis said as Bruiser smiled and spoke up.

"Well, it seems that every time we see each other, you always bring something new to the table. But with that being said, congrats on your engagement, Draconis. The same goes for you as well, Oracle." Bruiser said as Draconis spoke up.

"Thanks, Bruiser. After everything she and I have been through, I figure it was about time that we move on to the next step in our lives." Draconis said as Oracle spoke up.

"You got that right, Draconis. However, I don't think the two of us will be able to proceed any further with that matter unless we stop EMMA. So I think it's time that I start hacking my way into the server room now. Y'guys ready?" Oracle asked as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"Definitely. We're going to get through this quickly and get that calling card sent so we can put an end to this." Joker said as Oracle nodded and spoke up.

"All right, hacking in! As usual, make sure the front lines keep the enemies at bay while the six that Joker assigned to me do their job and protect me while backing me up!" Oracle said as the group nodded and a battle started. The ensuing fight was long and tough, largely due to the fact that Draconis and Pendragon had to knock away several stragglers who broke through to try and attack Oracle. In addition, the hacking ended up taking longer than usual due to firewalls that Oracle had to break through. But in the end, Oracle was able to finish the hack and spoke up.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your hack is now complete! Been a pleasure!" Oracle said as the fight ended. The resulting EXP gains have brought Skull, Mona, Panther, Fox, Queen, Noir, Seeker, Crow, Draconis, Pendragon, Flare, Wolf, Seraphim, Auburn, Ronin, Shinobi, Gumshoe, Diva, Bruiser, Sentinel, Buchi, and Fae to level 82. After the group took a second to heal themselves, they then entered the server room, which was a bit small and compact, but also just big enough to accommodate all 25 of the Phantom Thieves. Once inside, Oracle spoke up.

"Okay, I can work with this since this room is Shadowless. That being said, I'm about to start hacking into EMMA, but this is going to take some time." Oracle said as Joker spoke up with a nod.

"Understood. Will you be all right doing this, Oracle?" Joker asked Oracle, who nodded and spoke up.

"I'll be fine, Joker. Besides, everything's on the line this time. As such, I'm gonna bust my buns harder than ever with this." Oracle said as Mona spoke up.

"Good. We've got your back, Oracle. You're our only hope now!" Mona said as Sentinel spoke up with a frown.

"Technically, that's not strictly true. Fae also has a bit of skill with hacking, but probably not on the same level as Oracle." Sentinel said as Fae spoke up.

"You're not wrong, Sentinel. This is definitely a bit above my pay grade, as otherwise I would've been more than willing to help my fellow navigator with the earlier hacking battle. So we really will have to lean on Oracle for this, since I doubt I'd be much help, I'm afraid." Fae said as Bruiser spoke up.

"At least I got to beat up a ton of Shadows back there, so I'm all limbered up at this point." Bruiser said as Diva spoke up.

"I have a feeling you won't be needed for this, Bruiser." Diva said as Shinobi spoke up.

"Perhaps not, but that's still good he's loosened up. That'll be handy for when we fight the Ark of the Covenant after the calling card is sent." Shinobi said as Gumshoe nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed. We'll all need to work together to win this, I suspect." Gumshoe said as Buchi barked to convey his agreement with Gumshoe's words, while gently nuzzling Oracle's leg encouragingly, making her smile as she gently scratched behind Buchi's ears.

"Thanks, Buchi. Glad you're rooting for me too." Oracle said as Fae giggled and spoke up.

"That's Buchi for you. He might be a shameless lapdog at times, but when it really counts? I daresay that you'd be hard pressed to find a more loyal ally than him." Fae said as Oracle nodded and started the hack. A while later, Queen spoke up with a look of unease on her face.

"How's it going, Oracle?" Queen asked as Oracle gave off an almost inaudible 'hmm' in response, but gave no other sign of hearing Queen, making Noir speak up in shock.

"Wow. She seems so focused right now, doesn't she?" Noir said as Draconis nodded and spoke up.

"Yep. That's Oracle for you. She doesn't get hyper-focused like this often, but when she does, it's usually best to leave her be and let her do her thing." Draconis said as Oracle swore and spoke up at that moment.

"Dammit! I almost got it that time. I've found an opening, but the security protocol refreshes too quickly. This thing's processing speeds are off the charts." Oracle said as Panther spoke up uncertainly.

"So, I assume that means you're not doing too well?" Panther said as Crow frowned and spoke up.

"What do you think, Panther? Did you not hear her say that she's struggling at this moment?" Crow said as Flare spoke up.

"Calm down, Crow. Panther was just asking a question, that's all. No need to bite her head off over it." Flare said as Crow nodded before Auburn spoke up.

"She's doing her best here, after all." Auburn said as Seraphim nodded and spoke up.

"True. There's only so much one person can do in a situation like this, no matter how smart and attractive that person might be." Seraphim said as Ronin arched an inquiring eyebrow at this and spoke up.

"I thought Auburn was your girlfriend, Seraphim? Are you trying to say you have multiple girls you're hitting on?" Ronin asked as Seraphim blushed and spoke up.

"No, not really. It's a bit of a long story, but let's just say that Auburn once caught Oracle in a compromising position outside the RV after she caught us going at it inside of the camper, so the three of us have a newfound respect and appreciation for each other. Sure, there may or may not have been discussions of the possibility of a threesome involving us, but we didn't take it seriously since Oracle is clearly committed to Draconis, and we wouldn't dream of taking his fiancee from him." Seraphim said as Auburn nodded while Draconis smiled and spoke up.

"I appreciate the consideration, Seraphim. But you know, I don't mind if Oracle wants to fool around with both you and Auburn every now and again. I just want her to be happy. And to be honest, I bet you three would be totally amazing together." Draconis said sagely as Ronin gasped briefly and spoke up.

"Okay, I'm gonna be the one to say it. A lot of you guys seem to be driven more by your hormones than your brains at times." Ronin said as Crow smirked and spoke up.

"THANK YOU! Finally, someone with some sense in this group! Do you have any idea how long I've thought that same thing, Ronin?" Crow asked as Ronin smirked and spoke up.

"Probably a while." Ronin said as Violet frowned and spoke up.

"Can we not discuss all this around Seeker, please? She is still young and impressionable, after all. Granted, she did say she wants to be more like Seraphim and Oracle. But even so, I'm not trying to see her grow up too fast." Violet said as Diva giggled and spoke up.

"Heh, look at you being a natural mother to Seeker, Violet. I respect it. And I bet Joker finds it absolutely irresistible, too. Hee hee!" Diva said as Joker smirked and spoke up.

"You're not wrong, Diva. Violet has really grown into being a mother to Seeker throughout this journey. I can tell she would do well if we did end up having a child." Joker said as Seeker giggled and spoke up.

"You say that as if you haven't done a good job of being a parent yourself, Dad. After all, if it wasn't for you, I would've still been under Ichinose's control. So I believe that you also did a good job at being a natural father for me as well." Seeker said as Joker smiled and spoke up.

"Fair enough, Seeker. I suppose you're not wrong in saying that I've grown into being a father as well." Joker said as Gumshoe spoke up.

"While I do find this moment to be quite nice, do you really think it was right for you to tease Violet just now, Diva?" Gumshoe asked as Diva shrugged and spoke up.

"Don't worry, Gumshoe. I was just trying to compliment Violet's efforts and all, even if I did add in that bit with Joker noting Violet's actions to be adorable." Diva said as Oracle cursed again and spoke up.

"Dammit! If only I was a little better at this, then I would've already gotten in by now." Oracle said in annoyance. Skull spoke up with a frown.

"Hey, try to relax! No need to beat yourself up over this, Oracle! Sure, you may kind of, sort of, be our only hope of making this plan work, but we all believe in you. So try not to put so much pressure on yourself, yeah?" Skull said as Draconis nodded approvingly to Skull's encouragement of Oracle as he spoke up.

"I agree with Skull. Do your best, but don't drive yourself mad over it. As long as you at least make an effort, that's all we can ask, Oracle." Draconis said as Fox spoke up.

"Draconis has a point. That being said, it's frustrating that we can't lend any assistance to Oracle as she undertakes this most critical mission." Fox said as at that moment, the door to the server room opened up as the Phantom Thieves were then surprised when they took note of a familiar woman entering the room as she spoke up.

"Hey there, Phantom Thieves. Sorry to interrupt, but Oracle looks like she's struggling over there. Could I maybe lend a hand?" The female said uncertainly, after which the group gasped in shock as Mona spoke up.

"Ichinose? What the heck!?" Mona asked in shock as Queen spoke up.

"How did you get here?" Queen asked as Ichinose smirked and spoke up.

"I walked, of course." Ichinose said as Skull spoke up in confusion.

"Be that as it may, didn't you run into any Shadows on the way?" Skull asked as Joker spoke up.

"Yeah, and not only that, didn't we tell you to stay out of sight until we stopped EMMA?" Joker asked as Ichinose smiled and spoke up.

"Unfortunately, that plan was only able to work for so long. Despite my best efforts, I was eventually discovered. And according to the Shadow that found me, EMMA has now found out about my failure to stop you guys, as well as my assistance in your escape from that other Jail." Ichinose said as Wolf spoke up.

"I figured that AI would eventually realize that you had gone rogue. However, that still doesn't explain how you got here, let alone how you escaped from that Shadow." Wolf said as Ichinose spoke up as her next words ended up shocking the Phantom Thieves.

"To be honest, I probably would've been dead if that Shadow had found me on my own. Luckily, I was able to meet someone who not only was able to resist EMMA's control but also saved my life earlier by using the same power as you guys have." Ichinose said as Sentinel spoke up.

"The same power. Wait a minute, did either the other Shadow Operatives or Investigation Team members save you?" Sentinel asked as she recalled the group mentioning the other members of the Shadow Operatives and Investigation Team members to Ichinose earlier as the AI researcher shook her head and spoke up.

"No, it wasn't them. Rather, it was someone who does know who you guys are. Not only that, but he only just recently went through one of those awakenings similar to what I saw with Seeker earlier. Albeit the only difference was him reconnecting with his other self." Ichinose said as Draconis frowned and spoke up.

"Okay, now I'm curious. Who was it that saved you?" Draconis asked as Ichinose spoke up.

"Well, instead of me telling you, I'll let him speak for himself." Ichinose said as she turned her head towards the door and spoke up again.

"You can come in now." Ichinose said and after a few seconds, the door opened again, as the Phantom Thieves then took note with confused looks on their faces as a man entered the room while wearing what seemed to be a Phantom Thief outfit like those from the main group.

But what really caught Joker, Crow, and Draconis's attention was the sheer amount of pronounced similarities between the male's outfit and Crow's initial Phantom Thief attire, as the outfit had the same red chestpiece and cape with gold gladiator-like shoulders, and was the same sort of mostly white dress outfit with black shoes that had red laces, plus a golden pointed mask in a shape that was eerily similar to Crow's 'Detective Prince' attire he had during his initial run with the Thieves. It was at that moment when Seraphim spoke up.

"Uh, is it just me, or does that attire remind me of what Loki wore when we fought him in the Yongen Jail under the guise of the Black Mask?" Seraphim said as Pendragon spoke up.

"You're not the only one who noticed that, Seraphim. Although I can't help but shake the feeling that I've seen that guy before." Pendragon said as Seraphim nodded in agreement. Once Joker, Draconis, and Crow found their voices and got over their shock, Crow spoke up in an icy yet inquiring tone while staring the male down.

"Not to be rude to you, but who the hell are you, and why do you have the attire that you do?" Crow asked as Joker spoke up.

"Furthermore, how did you end up getting here in the Metaverse in the first place?" Joker said as Draconis began to get tensed upon getting a closer look at the newcomer and recognizing the familiarity as the man chuckled and spoke up.

"I'm surprised you haven't figured it out, Joker. But then again, the last time we saw each other like this was when we had our battle in my Palace. However, knowing Draconis, I think he might've already figured out who I am." The man said and no sooner than he'd opened his mouth to speak up did Joker, Mona, Skull, Panther, Fox, Queen, Oracle, Noir, Crow, and Violet's jaws all collectively drop in shock upon realizing who was with Ichinose.

In addition, Seeker, Pendragon, Flare, Seraphim, and Auburn also gasped in shock upon recognizing the man's voice while Wolf, Ronin, Shinobi, Gumshoe, Diva, Sentinel, Bruiser, and Fae were confused as Buchi was watching the scene with curiosity. Lastly, Draconis was frozen in place upon seeing the one man that he never thought he would see in the Metaverse again standing in front of the group. It was at that moment when Mona spoke up.

"It...It can't be!?" Mona said as Skull spoke up.

"Dude, is this for real!?" Skull asked as Panther spoke up.

"I think it is, Skull. There's no doubt that's him alright." Panther said as Noir spoke up.

"Wait, but didn't he end up losing his powers upon his defeat?" Noir asked as Fox spoke up.

"Judging from the appearance of his attire, I find that to be unlikely. Especially considering what Ichinose-san just said about someone who has recently experienced an awakening." Fox said as Queen spoke up.

"Even I'm not sure how to feel about this. It's one thing to encounter him recently in the real world, but when it comes to the Metaverse, that's a completely different scenario." Queen said as Violet took a step forward closer to the man as she spoke up.

"Is it...really you?" Violet said as the man spoke up.

"I understand your confusion, Violet. But I assure you, I am not your enemy. Sure, I was wearing a much different outfit when we last met in the Metaverse, but I'm here to help, not make things worse. And while I understand that we did talk earlier back in Osaka and that a majority of you made peace with what I've done, have my actions truly left you with so much hurt that you can't trust me?" The male asked Joker was silent for a few seconds before speaking up.

"It really is you alright." Joker said as Crow sighed and spoke up.

"Honestly, I'm both surprised and un-surprised to see you here of all places. After all, if we were able to reconnect with our Personas back when we first entered the Jail, then it shouldn't come as a shock for you to do the same. And while I may have some restraint from attacking you on sight given our recent talk earlier, I can't say the same for my brother if he ends up doing something drastic." Crow said as Draconis's breathing continuously increased upon seeing the man as his mind flashed back in time three and a half years, or more specifically, to when he and the others were dealing with the same man currently standing in front of the Phantom Thieves.

It was at that moment when Oracle spoke up while she was still trying to hack EMMA, hearing the increase in Draconis' breathing and knowing how to calm him without looking up from her hacking while she spoke.

"Draconis, I know that you are as shocked to see him as I am, but please try to calm down." Oracle said as Draconis took a glance back at his fiancee who looked at him with pleading eyes and it was thanks to her voice that his breathing slowed down as Draconis spoke up.

"Thanks, Oracle. I really needed that." Draconis said and as Oracle nodded, the youngest of the three brothers then turned his head back towards the man as he sighed and spoke up again.

"You know, if it weren't for the fact that we saw each other in Osaka, I probably would've ended up rushing you. But I still want to hear it from the horse's mouth just to be certain So tell me, is that really you behind that mask, Doc?" Draconis asked as every single Phantom Thief who was on the team for the final Palace they'd tackled in their original run as Phantom Thieves soon got the confirmation they needed as the male lifted up his mask to reveal that he was in fact none other than Takuto Maruki as the man himself spoke up.

"It certainly has been a while, everyone. Although at the same time, not too long either." Maruki said as Joker spoke up

"How are you able to be in the Metaverse, Maruki-san? Much less be dressed like that? I thought we destroyed your powers three years ago when I shattered your mask in our final fight inside of your Palace?" Joker asked as Flare spoke up.

"Not only that, but what happened to the others who were with you when we last saw you?" Flare asked as Maruki ended up taking note of who it was that spoke along with taking note of some of the others and spoke up.

"That voice. Is that you, Suzui-san? And based on what I see regarding some of the others, I assume that the man in the knight outfit is Sakura the elder, the woman who is dressed like an angelic being is Nanako-chan, the woman who is in the magician outfit is Akane-chan, and finally the girl whose outfit I remember quite clearly when I last saw her is Sophia?" Maruki asked as Auburn spoke up.

"Technically, while we are in the Metaverse, Shiho is known as Flare, Sojiro is known as Pendragon, Nanako is called Seraphim, I'm known as Auburn, and finally Sophia is called Seeker." Auburn said as Maruki blinked for a moment and spoke up.

"Huh, now that you mentioned it, I seem to recall Ichinose-san mentioning Sophia being called Seeker while in the Metaverse. Oh, and it's a pleasure to meet you for real this time, Seeker." Maruki said as Seeker smiled and spoke up.

"Likewise, Maruki-san. I didn't think we would be meeting again so soon, let alone under these circumstances." Seeker said as Wolf spoke up with confusion on his face.

"Wait, wait. Hold on a second. From the looks of things, it seems that myself and the others who just joined are out of the loop regarding what's going on. Would someone mind explaining to us who this guy is to those of us who were not present for the events you are referring to?" Wolf asked, getting grateful nods from Ronin, Diva, Shinobi, Gumshoe, Bruiser, Sentinel, and Fae, while Buchi barked his agreement with Wolf's question. Joker then spoke up.

"Well, remember earlier when we mentioned that one of our targets was a Persona-user whom we had to fight for the sake of reality, as well as cause trauma for some of us three and a half years ago?" Joker said as Ronin spoke up.

"Yeah? But why bring that up aga..." Ronin said but he ended up cutting himself off as he took another look at Maruki before realization dawned on him, Shinobi, Diva, Gumshoe, Sentinel, Bruiser, Fae, Wolf, and even Buchi's faces as they all gasped, or gave a shocked yelp in Buchi's case, as Shinobi spoke up.

"No way. You've got to be kidding me! That's the guy you were talking about before?" Shinobi asked as Gumshoe spoke up.

"Based on the way Violet, Crow, and Draconis reacted, it seems to be the case. So this is the one who gave your group the hardest time back during your original run as Phantom Thieves?" Gumshoe asked as Draconis spoke up.

"Got it in one, Gumshoe. This man was our final target during our original run as Phantom Thieves, and he was the one who ended up putting us through the wringer both physically and mentally." Draconis said as Bruiser spoke up.

"I see. So this is the Persona-user that you mentioned before earlier." Bruiser said as Fae spoke up.

"Even though I don't have my Persona out, I can sense a great power emanating from this man." Fae said as Sentinel spoke up.

"Indeed. He definitely gives me a familiar feeling from when we battled Nyx all those years ago." Sentinel said as Buchi barked in agreement as Diva spoke up.

"The same applies to when myself, Ronin, Shinobi, and Gumshoe battled Izanami along with the other members of our group. Although, not that I don't want to open up any wounds, but I can't help but wonder what this man did that caused some of you to go through so much pain. Especially, since based on his appearance, I find it hard to believe someone like him can be evil." Diva said as Violet spoke up.

"Well, unlike our previous targets, he's a different case. Doctor Maruki was not truly evil, but he did have ill intentions as he almost succeeded in creating an alternate reality where there was no pain. And while that may be good on paper, it did end up causing people to lose sight of who they are. In addition, that man is the reason our group was nearly deprived of Draconis once and why I spent the better part of a year thinking I was my dead sister. I seem to recall Joker spending a good while grumbling about how Doctor Maruki was nothing more than a dirty rotten-mind rapist for what he did to me. And judging from their smirks at the time, I think Draconis and Crow agreed with Joker." Violet said as Maruki winced and spoke up.

"And once again, I'm very sorry for what I put you all through back then. Even to this day, I still feel remorseful for my actions all those years ago. But I promise all of you, more specifically to those whom I've hurt, that I have no hidden motives and that I genuinely want to take this opportunity to make up for my mistakes if you'll have me. Of course, I will understand if any of you don't want me to join, and I'll be more than willing to leave if necessary. However, I thought it would be worth asking if you guys are willing to let me assist you, even if it's for one battle." Maruki asked as Joker spoke up after being silent for a few seconds.

"Well, we do need all the help we can get. But there's still the matter of you telling us how you got here in the first place." Joker said as Violet nodded and spoke up.

"Joker's right. Furthermore, you still haven't told us what happened with you, Coach Hiraguchi, Shibusawa, and his wife after we saw all of you in Osaka." Violet said as Draconis spoke up.

"I assume that they were still with you at the time when you ended up in the Metaverse?" Draconis asked as Maruki nodded and spoke up.

"Unfortunately, yes. Relena-san, Shibusawa-san, and his wife were present at the time when EMMA started to encroach on the Metaverse and the real world. We had just arrived back in Tokyo when we noticed the Tokyo Radio Tower starting to transform shortly after the city lost power. At first, we didn't know what was going on, but we soon ended up in the Jail after being enveloped by a light that came from the tower. Immediately after realizing that I was back in the Metaverse, I knew for certain that something big was going on and that you guys were involved in some capacity. So I decided to head to the tower itself to see what's going on as well as possibly try to help." Maruki said as Violet frowned and spoke up.

"I see. But what about the others, though? If you came here by yourself, then does that mean..." Violet said as Maruki spoke up again before the former finished her sentence.

"Don't worry, Violet. Relena-san, Shibusawa-san, and his wife are fine. Although I didn't learn about what EMMA was doing to the people until I reached the tower, I can assure you that the others were not affected by EMMA's influence. But for the sake of their safety and the fact that they don't have a Persona, I told them to hide and stay out of sight until the danger has passed." Maruki said as Violet sighed in relief as Draconis spoke up.

"Even though a part of me worries about them being found by Shadows, I will at least commend you for considering their well-being first by telling them to hide somewhere, Doc." Draconis said as Maruki smiled and spoke up.

"Thank you, Draconis. But with that being said, getting back to my story, I made my way through Tokyo while avoiding the Shadows that were roaming around the streets. After a couple of minutes weaving through various areas, I was able to make it to the Tokyo Radio Tower." Maruki said as Bruiser turned towards Ronin and spoke up quietly.

"I'm surprised that Mitsuru and the others didn't catch him going near the tower." Bruiser said Ronin shrugged and spoke up.

"They must have been too preoccupied with the Shadows outside of the tower to notice him sneaking past." Ronin said as Bruiser nodded in agreement as Joker spoke up.

"Okay, so that explains how you got here. But what about awakening to your Persona?" Joker asked as Maruki spoke up.

"I was just about to get to that. Upon my arrival, I noticed the people looking down at their phones as they were slowly vanishing into the tower like they were in some sort of trance. I tried to get answers as to what was going on, and while I was able to figure out the way the people were talking about EMMA, I still wasn't fully aware of the situation in its entirety. But luckily, after searching around the base of the tower, I ended up stumbling across someone who was not like the others." Maruki said honestly as Crow spoke up.

"Let me guess, Ichinose-san?" Crow said as Maruki nodded and spoke up.

"Correct. I ended up noticing her talking on the phone, so I decided to ask her for information about what was happening with EMMA. Luckily, when I got closer to her, I knew I had made the right choice in approaching her because she mentioned Joker's name through the phone." Maruki said as Ichinose spoke up.

"To my surprise, I ended up meeting Maruki-san shortly after I last spoke to you guys regarding the calling card situation for EMMA. Although I originally thought he was a Shadow at first since he spoke while my back was turned, my mind was put at ease upon noticing that it was another person who was not under EMMA's control." Ichinose said as Maruki spoke up.

"Indeed. So, after receiving confirmation from her that she was an ally of all of you, Ichinose-san and I then talked for a bit. She provided me with an overview of what is happening with EMMA regarding her evolution into becoming a god, as well as her history with you guys. To be honest, I was surprised to see how she and I were similar to each other when it comes to following false ideologies only to later realize that what we were doing was wrong.

However, a part of our conversation got interrupted when a Shadow found us. As soon as I took note that the Shadow was ordered by EMMA to eliminate Ichinose-san for her betrayal and failure to stop you guys, I knew I had to do something. I didn't want anyone else to suffer due to EMMA's actions, especially since she was trying to achieve the same goal that I once tried to do. So, I ended up taking a page out of your workbook by standing my ground and rebelling, all while seeking to redeem myself for my actions so long ago." Maruki said as Mona spoke up.

"I assume that it was at that moment that you ended up awakening to your Persona again?" Mona asked as Maruki nodded and spoke up.

"That is correct. I ended up reconnecting with Adam Kadmon after all these years. However, unlike that time when I used him to battle you guys, Adam Kadmon's size was reduced to that of a normal Persona. Despite the handicap, I was able to destroy the Shadow using a combination of skills from both Adam Kadmon and my original Persona, Azathoth." Maruki said as Seeker smiled and spoke up.

"As much as I don't want to interrupt your story, I really should give you my thanks for saving my creator, Maruki-san." Seeker said as Maruki smiled back and spoke up.

"Not at all, Seeker. I was just doing whatever I could to help. But with that being said, let me finish my story. Following the defeat of that Shadow, Ichinose-san and I conversed for a bit longer as I told her about my history with all of you, or rather my history with the original group of Phantom Thieves.

After some more talking, she informed me about your plans to send a calling card to the masses so that their Desires can materialize, thereby allowing you to get to EMMA and stop her for good. So, using my powers of Actualization, I was able to make my way up here with Ichinose-san in tow, all while manipulating the Shadow's cognition in order to make them think that there was no one in the area. And with that, the rest is history." Maruki said as Draconis spoke up.

"I see. Your story does match up with what Ichinose-san told before you came in here. But I still want to see if what you said is true. Ichinose-san, did everything that Doc just told us really happen not too long ago?" Draconis asked as Ichinose nodded and spoke up.

"Absolutely. I can assure you with certainty that everything that Maruki-san described did occur before he and I came up here. And while I can't vouch for him for the beginning parts of his story in regards to his friends, I do trust his word, especially since he saved my life earlier as I was present when he awakened, or 'reawakened' in his case, to his Persona." Ichinose said as Draconis nodded as Maruki spoke up.

"So that brings us back to now. I know that this is coming out of nowhere, but I'm serious about wanting to redeem myself for my actions three and a half years ago. What I just said is nothing but the truth, and even I feel that the only way to stop EMMA is by working together. But, as I said, the choice of me joining the group is up to you. So, do you guys mind having me be a part of the group?" Maruki asked hopefully as Joker and Draconis exchanged a look before they nodded as Joker spoke up.

"I personally have no issue with it, but we make decisions as a group when it comes to determining whether or not someone should join. And speaking of the group, I believe there are quite a few people in this room whom you have not met yet since they either recently joined or were elsewhere when we saw you in Universaland the other day. Please allow me to introduce them to you now, Maruki-san.

To start off, the man in the desperado attire is Auburn's father, Zenkichi Hasegawa, or Wolf as he code-named himself. This is the PubSec officer that I mentioned before who wasn't with us when we last saw you in Osaka, as he was busy arresting Konoe. As for the other members, these are actually Persona-users who existed long before the Phantom Thieves were established. Our other newer additions are Ronin, Shinobi, Gumshoe, Diva, Bruiser, Buchi, Fae, and Sentinel. Or to use their real names, say hello to Yu Narukami, Yosuke Hanamura, Naoto Shirogane-Tatsumi, Rise Kujikawa-Narukami, Akihiko Sanada, Koromaru, Fuuka Yamagishi, and the 7th Generation Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon, Aigis.

Everyone whom I just named, as you are probably aware now, this is Doctor Takuto Maruki. He was a former counselor at the school where the Phantom Thieves were first established, as well as our final target during our original run, as Draconis mentioned earlier. However, he did end up realizing his mistakes upon his defeat three and a half years ago and is now more or less a technical ally. So, with all the introductions out of the way, all those in favor of letting Maruki join us at least temporarily?" Joker asked as Ronin spoke up.

"Well, if you don't mind my opinion, Joker. Although I'm okay with leaving this to a majority vote, I think the decision of Maruki-san joining should more or less fall on you guys specifically." Ronin said as Bruiser spoke up.

"Ronin has a point. After all, you and the others know him better than the rest of us, so it only makes sense for the decision to be decided by you." Bruiser said as Gumshoe spoke up.

"Indeed. We'll go with what you guys decide for him, even though I'm a little hesitant given what we were just told about him." Gumshoe said as Shinobi spoke up.

"Lighten up, Gumshoe. At least he's not like Adachi in terms of not caring about what happens to the world." Shinobi said as Fae spoke up.

"Given that we don't know what EMMA could be capable of in battle, I think we should consider all possible options." Fae said as Diva spoke up.

"Agreed. Especially since, if what you said is true regarding him being a Persona-user, then Maruki-san could provide us with the edge we need to stop EMMA." Diva said as Sentinel spoke up.

"Indeed. I calculated that the most logical scenario is to have him join us, but I agree with Ronin in regards to leaving the decision to you guys." Sentinel said and as Buchi barked in agreement as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"Fair enough. I respect your decision." Joker said as he turned towards his main members of this team and spoke up again.

"Well guys, what do you think? Should we have Maruki jo..." Joker said before Seraphim interrupted and spoke up.

"Hold on a second, Joker. I think your question should not be directed specifically to all of us." Seraphim said as Draconis spoke up in confusion.

"What do you mean by that, Seraphim?" Draconis said as Auburn spoke up.

"I think what Seraphim is trying to say is that, like with the members of the Investigation Team and Shadow Operatives, you and those who have known Maruki-san for three and a half years know him better than the rest of us who were only part of this group for a few days/weeks." Auburn said as Flare spoke up.

"Auburn has a point. I believe that I can speak for myself and the others who were not part of the original group, that I think it's only fair to leave the decision up to those who were affected by Maruki the most." Flare said as Joker spoke up.

"So, are you guys saying that you want to leave the decision of Maruki joining us up to me and the original group?" Joker asked as Pendragon spoke up.

"I think that's what Flare is trying to say, and as much as I hate to admit it, I do have to agree with her. And even though I also interacted with Maruki three and a half years ago when he stopped by Leblanc, I don't know him as well in comparison to all of you. Thus, it only makes sense for those who have a history with him to make the call." Pendragon said as Wolf spoke up.

"Agreed. Although in my case, I probably would've arrested him given what you said about him hurting you both physically and mentally. But I'm willing to let that slide if he is being serious about helping us." Wolf said as Seeker smiled and spoke up.

"Regardless, we'll follow what you guys decide for Maruki-san, Dad. But deep down, I have a feeling that I know you'll make the right choice." Seeker said as Pendragon, Wolf, Auburn, Flare, and Seraphim nodded in agreement as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"Alright then. I guess you guys do bring up a good point. Give me and the rest of the original team some space as we discuss." Joker said and as Seeker, Pendragon, Flare, Wolf, Seraphim, and Auburn walked to the side to give the original group some space to discuss Maruki's request, Joker then turned towards the original group who fought Maruki all those years ago, albeit with Oracle still trying to hack into EMMA, and spoke up.

"Okay, it looks like it's up to us to decide whether Maruki-san should join us or not. As I mentioned earlier, I have no issue with him being a part of this group, but this decision needs to be unanimous. So with that being said, who wants to go first?" Joker asked as Panther spoke up.

"Personally, I don't see any reason not to let him join. If he's really insistent on making up for his past mistakes, then I say we should let him." Panther said as Fox spoke up.

"Indeed. Not only that, but he went out of his way to come all the way here to help us, all while avoiding Shadows that would've killed him easily prior to his reawakening to his Persona. If that doesn't show bravery, I don't know what is." Fox said as Skull smirked and spoke up.

"Hell yeah, Fox! The Doc's got guts if he is willing to fight alongside us. Plus, it would be kind of fitting to have the final target of our first run as Phantom Thieves go up against the final target of our second run." Skull said as Oracle spoke up all while continuing to hack EMMA.

"Definitely. It's not every day that you see a scenario in which the final boss of a previous game ends up teaming up with the heroes to defeat a common enemy." Oracle said as Queen spoke up.

"All jokes aside, all of us have seen what Maruki-san is capable of with his Persona. So this might give us a better chance of succeeding in stopping EMMA." Queen said as Mona spoke up.

"Agreed. And honestly, much like the rest of us, Maruki has gone through a lot based on what we all know about him prior to fighting him in his Palace. If he hadn't been an enemy at the time, I would be more than willing to let him join us. But the fact that he's trying to redeem himself now for what he did to us back then shows that he has come a long way since we last saw him." Mona said as Noir smiled and spoke up.

"Well said, Mona-chan. After all, if Crow was willing to try to redeem himself for his past mistakes towards us, then we should do the same for Maruki-san as well." Noir said as Joker smiled as he watched each of his teammates give their thoughts one-by-one as he then towards his attention towards his girlfriend and two brothers as he spoke up.

"Violet? Crow? Draconis? What about you guys? I know that out of all of us, you three were affected by Maruki-san the most. Are you guys willing to let him join us for the final battle despite everything that he has done?" Joker asked as Violet spoke up.

"As I mentioned previously in Osaka when we saw him at Universaland, I had already made peace with Doctor Maruki regarding what he did to me. So if you think that having him join us will be our best chance to stop EMMA Joker, then I will do the same." Violet said with as she gave a small smile as Crow sighed and spoke up.

"Personally, I don't care whether or not Maruki should join us. I'm fine with whatever happens, but it's more or less going to be based on what Draconis thinks." Crow said as he, Joker, Violet, and the rest of the Thieves, including Oracle, who stopped her hack out of a mix of curiosity to what Draconis would say and intrigue of what was going on, turned towards Draconis, who was closing his eyes as he was in the midst of contemplating his decision as Joker spoke up.

"Draconis, you are the only one left who has not made a decision. What's your call, brother?" Joker asked as Draconis was silent for a few seconds. After a bit, he sighed and spoke up.

"I'm going to be honest with you, I'm not sure how I feel about fighting alongside the man who kept me prisoner for days in his Palace, created that crazy clone of me to subdue you guys, as well as used me to further his plans to change all of reality. That betrayal still haunts me to this day, both physically and mentally." Draconis said as Joker frowned and spoke up.

"So, I'm guessing that's a..." Joker said before Draconis spoke up as he cut off his brother's sentence.

"Hold on. I wasn't finished yet. Despite everything that he has done back then, as I also mentioned back in Osaka, I do owe Doc a lot for everything he has done when it comes to my flaws. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have ended up becoming the person that I am today. Back then, I did state that it would take me a long time to forgive him, but if he's willing to put himself on the line to stop EMMA from achieving what he almost could not, then maybe I could consider that as a sign for me to slowly start forgiving Doc for his actions all those years ago." Draconis said as he opened his eyes and looked at Joker as he spoke up again.

"I'm willing to give him a chance, for the sake of the world, as well as to get some much-needed closure for myself." Draconis said as Joker smiled as he then embraced his brother in a hug and spoke up.

"Thank you, brother. I'm glad you're willing to put your past with Maruki behind you for the sake of the group." Joker as Draconis spoke up with a smile.

"Well, as I said, it's still going to be a while before I truly forgive him. But this is a definite first step in moving towards that." Draconis said as Joker nodded as he spoke up while looking at his original team.

"All right. Looks like it's unanimous. I guess we should tell Maruki-san the news then." Joker said as the original group of Thieves nodded as both Joker and Draconis walked back towards Maruki was standing with Ichinose as the former spoke up.

"Well, have you made your decision?" Maruki asked as Joker smiled and spoke up as all eyes were on him and Draconis with anticipation.

"We have. After much deliberation, all of us, or rather those who fought you all those years ago, have agreed to let you join us." Joker said as everyone else smiled upon hearing Joker's decision as Maruki's eyes widened in shock upon hearing that he was a part of the group. After a few seconds of letting it sink in, he smiled and spoke up.

"Thank you, Joker. I promise that I won't let you or anyone else down." Maruki said before directing his gaze towards Draconis as he spoke up again.

"Especially you, Draconis. I appreciate your trust in me despite everything that I've done to you." Maruki said as Draconis spoke up.

"As I just told Joker, it's still going to take me a while to fully forgive you, Doc. However, since you are willing to put yourself on the line to help us stop EMMA, it might help in moving towards that. Although, that's not going to stop me from keeping an eye on you." Draconis said as Maruki nodded and spoke up.

"That's fine, I completely understand your caution. However, I assure you that I've got your back, along with Joker and the others. But with that being said, let's do our best to shut down EMMA and save this world." Maruki said as he held out his hand, which both Joker and Draconis shook, signifying the sealing of the newly made agreement between Maruki and the rest of the main group of Phantom Thieves as everyone cheered, or barked in Buchi's case, as Joker spoke up.

"Congratulations, Doctor Maruki. As of this point forward, you are now one of us. But with that being said, I believe there's only one last thing we need to do in order to make your induction into the Phantom Thieves official. And that is to give you a code name." Joker said as Crow groaned and spoke up.

"Do we really have to do this now?" Crow said as multiple voices spoke up at once.

"YES! WE DO!" All of the other main Phantom Thieves said in unison as Crow then grumbled to himself as Pendragon spoke up at that point, though when he spoke, what he said next would end up causing Bruiser, Sentinel, Buchi, and Fae to look at him in surprise after they heard what he had to say.

"Well, if I may give my thoughts on your code name, Maruki-san. Given what most of these guys told me about you while you were employed at Shujin, you helped a lot of people and tried to save them. As such, I feel as if 'Messiah' is the best possible code name, since you did give off a rather strong vibe like that of a savior the one time we had an extended conversation at Leblanc." Pendragon said as Maruki thought about it and nodded his agreement while he spoke up.

"That should work well enough, I suppose. I have expected something along the lines of 'Herald' or 'Doc', but 'Messiah' isn't bad either." Maruki said as Draconis spoke up.

"To be honest, Doc? 'Herald' could've been a good back-up option. As for 'Doc'? That's already what most of us call you as a nickname. And if we were going to just use nicknames as code names, we wouldn't have given some of our team members, such as Violet or Pendragon, the code names they have now. With that being said, normally we'd put code names to a vote, but I don't think there's time for that now. As such, provided there are no objections, we can call you 'Messiah' for the time being." Draconis said Sentinel spoke up.

"While I don't have any objections, I do want to point something out regarding Pendragon's code name suggestion, Draconis. 'Messiah' was actually the name of a Persona that myself, Bruiser, Buchi, and Fae had seen back when we were still known as S.E.E.S. At the time, it was used by our field leader when he was still alive." Sentinel said as Bruiser, and Fae nodded their heads as Buchi barked in confirmation while Maruki frowned and spoke up.

"Interesting. From the looks of things, I assume that the person you just spoke of has already passed away a long time ago. For that, I'm very sorry for your loss. But with that being said, would you four mind if I used 'Messiah' as my code name?" Maruki asked as Bruiser smiled and spoke up.

"Not at all, Maruki-san. In fact, I think it does fit well with someone like you." Bruiser said as Fae spoke up.

"Indeed. And if he were still here, I don't think Minato-san would mind either." Fae said as Buchi barked in agreement as Maruki nodded as Joker spoke up.

"So, aside from that little bit of trivia, is there anyone else who would like to give their thoughts on Maruki's possible code name?" Joker asked as the group waited a minute before no one spoke up to argue the choice, leading Joker to nod and speak up.

"Seems like a unanimous agreement to me. Once again, congratulations, Doctor Maruki. For the time being, you will be 'Maruki' in the real world and 'Messiah' in the Metaverse. So with that being said, welcome to the Crew, Messiah." Joker said as the now code-named Messiah nodded and shook Joker's hand again while speaking up.

"Very well then, I accept. Thank you once again for welcoming me to the Crew, Joker. I'm grateful that you and the rest of the Thieves are willing to work with me." Messiah said as Ichinose cleared her throat to get everyone's attention as she spoke up.

"Hey, uh, sorry to cut the conversation short, but I think we were in the middle of trying to send the calling card out?" Ichinose said as Draconis spoke up.

"Oh, right, I forgot about that. But wait a minute, why did you decide to come up here as well, Ichinose-san? I mean, I understand Messiah's reasoning for coming to try and help us, but what made you decide to want to help as well?" Draconis asked as Ichinose smiled and spoke up.

"Well, as Messiah mentioned earlier in his story, he and I surprisingly had a lot of things in common, especially when it comes to being former enemies with you guys. Thus, after hearing his tale of his previous actions towards all of you as well as wanting to seek redemption for his past mistakes, I figured I should try to do the same given what I just put the majority of you through not too long ago.

Not only that, but I was the one who guided both myself and Messiah here since I knew exactly where EMMA's server room was located. Luckily, as he pointed out earlier, Messiah ended up using his powers of Actualization so that the two of us could quickly get past the Shadows without any of them noticing." Ichinose said as Crow grumbled what sounded suspiciously like 'Typical Shadows falling for stupid tricks?' under his breath, getting a pointed look from Noir, which he wisely heeded and fell silent as Panther spoke up in confusion.

"But still, though! I can't believe you made it here in one piece, even with Messiah's help!" Panther said as Fox spoke up with a frown.

"Panther is right! Regardless of whether it worked out, what you two did was very risky. As far as both of you know, you could have been caught regardless." Fox said as Messiah winced and spoke up.

"Eheh, quite. You have a good point, Fox." Messiah said as Ichinose spoke up.

"Never mind that! Joker, would you mind if I helped out? Oracle looks like she could use the backup." Ichinose said as Joker spoke up.

"Can you really pull it off, Ichinose? I mean, I trust that you can help, but this is a very delicate situation. If we fail, the world is screwed." Joker said as Crow spoke up.

"That's very true, Joker. Can we really trust Ichinose-san to pull this off? Since, for all I know, she could very well use this opportunity to stick a knife in our collective backs all so she can get on EMMA's good side again." Crow said as Ichinose frowned and spoke up.

"And as I mentioned before, EMMA now seeks my elimination just as she is seeking yours. Do you honestly think that after I came close to dying by one of EMMA's servants, I would go and join her side again?" Ichinose said as Bruiser smirked and spoke up.

"That really doesn't matter, Ichinose-san. Even if you do decide to double-cross us, you do realize that you're not going to get very far due to all of us being present." Bruiser said as Seeker frowned and spoke up.

"Hey! I know she's done wrong by us recently, but I have faith that Ichinose can definitely do this. So please, try to have the same faith in her." Seeker said as Violet smiled and spoke up.

"Wow, look at you standing up for Ichinose even after everything she did to you. That's incredibly mature of you, Seeker. I'm so proud of you, sweetie." Violet said as Oracle winced and spoke up.

"Whatever you decide, can you speed it up? I'm kinda struggling here! Let Ichinose help! Please, I'm BEGGIN' you!" Oracle said as Draconis sighed and spoke up.

"Fine, she can help. But if she does try to double-cross us, which I highly doubt given that EMMA is aware of her betrayal, I'll let both Crow and Bruiser deal with her." Draconis said as Queen spoke up.

"I respect the caution, but consider this, Draconis. None of us have any experience with computers, so we're not helpful to Oracle like this. So, I think it'd be best to have her help us." Queen said as both Joker and Draconis exchanged a look at each other looked at each other before they nodded as Joker spoke up.

"Alright then. If you're willing to do whatever it takes to stop your creation, then go for it. We're counting on you, Ichinose." Joker said as Ichinose smiled and spoke up as she bowed her head.

"Thank you, Joker. I promise that I won't let you or any of the others down." Ichinose said before she walked over to Seeker and spoke up.

"Oh, and Seeker? Shortly after I last spoke to you and the others as well as right before meeting Messiah, I took note of the people outside the tower. And what I saw was very unsettling. Needless to say, now I know what a real human doll looks like." Ichinose said as Seeker frowned and spoke up.

"Ichinose, did you really do that? I mean, as much as I want to criticize you for exposing yourself out in the open, I do appreciate you finally understanding what I trying to tell you back in the Jail of the Abyss." Seeker said as Ichininose nodded as Oracle spoke up irately.

"Yeah, yeah! We can talk about it later! Hurry up and help me!" Oracle said as Ichinose nodded and spoke up.

"Right. Got it." Ichinose said as she moved to help Oracle as Fox spoke up in shock.

"So, the hacker once feared by the entire world has teamed up with a supergenius AI researcher in order to hack our final target and send out a calling card. Quite remarkable." Fox said as Skull grinned and spoke up.

"Right!? Talk about one helluva turnaround!" Skull said as Ronin nodded and spoke up.

"For sure! Now to hope these two can get the job done." Ronin said wisely, getting nods of agreement from the others, with the exception of Seeker, who nodded her agreement before she bounced up and down briefly while she spoke up.

"You've got this, Oracle! You too, Ichinose!" Seeker said as Ichinose and Oracle spoke up in unison.

"OKAY! LET'S GET TO WORK, GUYS!" Oracle and Ichinose said in unison as the latter discreetly gave Joker a thumbs up as a sign to move forward with his plan and spoke up.

"Alright, you heard the ladies, let's get this calling card set up so we can finally stop EMMA. Draconis, you take the ones that you were considering for the concert part of the plan and find a place to set it up." Joker said as Draconis nodded and spoke up.

"No problem, Joker. In fact, I think I already have the perfect Jail in mind for us to perform. And I think it would be quite fitting that we perform there seeing as it was the place where we saw EMMA in her Ark of the Covenant form for the first time." Draconis said as Joker smirked and spoke up.

"I guess it would be quite ironic that we used the Jail that EMMA trapped us in earlier as part of our plan to send out this calling card. Alright then, get everything set up and then come back here to discuss what we should say on the calling card. Once everything is in place, we should be ready to go." Joker said as Draconis nodded as he then proceeded to get the concert group in position, which he did by guiding Panther, Seraphim, Auburn, Ronin, Shinobi, Diva, Fae, and Bruiser into the Jail of the Abyss, and leading them to the giant open circular room where the group had previously confronted Ichinose multiple times while helping Seeker awaken to the power of her true Persona, Pandora.

While he was getting his group into position, Ichinose was helping Oracle with the hack from inside the server room as the rest of the group who stayed behind watched in a mix of hope and encouragement as Messiah spoke up while addressing Joker.

"So, how does putting on a concert help with sending out the calling card?" Messiah asked as Joker spoke up.

"Oh, right, I forgot that you weren't with us when we discussed the matter of sending the calling card. But basically, once Oracle and Ichinose hack into EMMA, we're going to hijack the phones of everyone who has been brainwashed in the form of a pro-EMMA rally concert. This is all so we can get everyone's attention because, at some point in the concert, we're going to slip in the calling card in the form of a 'commercial break'. Once that's done, the group that's doing the concert will wrap things up on their end in order to keep the attention of the masses." Joker said as Messiah blinked before speaking up.

"Huh, interesting. I've seen quite a few of the calling cards that you guys have done besides mine, like with Shido and Konoe. But this takes it to a whole other level. However, shouldn't Draconis be here with us to help write out the calling card instead of doing the concert?" Messiah asked as Joker spoke up.

"Funnily enough, Ronin ended up asking that very same question earlier. But don't worry, as soon as Draconis is finished with getting everything set up on his end for the concert, he will quickly come back up here to help us plan out the calling card itself. Once the calling card is set, it will be showtime." Joker said as Messiah spoke up.

"I see. If I have to venture a guess, I assume that you want all of us to participate in the calling card once we execute our plan?" Messiah asked as Joker spoke up

"Definitely. But don't worry too much about figuring out what to say. If need be, Draconis will assist you with your lines since you are one of the recent newcomers to our group. However, I have faith that you can do this, Messiah." Joker said as Messiah smiled and spoke up.

"If that's the case, then I'll try my best to be on par with you and the others." Messiah said as Joker nodded as the two soon joined the rest of the Phantom Thieves who stayed behind as they continued to watch both Oracle and Ichinose in a mix of hope and encouragement...

(A while later, outside of the Tree of Knowledge, with most of the masses who were gathered to give EMMA their Desires)

As a large crowd of people were lined up to proceed into the Tokyo Radio Tower to offer their Desires to EMMA, the EMMA screen on their phones began to glitch out until was replaced by a familiar logo which had a black top hat with white eyes and red flames coming from one eye socket. At that point, an equally familiar voice spoke up.

"Attention and good afternoon, citizens of Japan!" Seeker's voice was heard over the phones as another voice replaced it.

"All of you know the logo by now, right?" Oracle's voice was heard over the phones as another voice replaced it.

"We're aware it's been a while for some of you since our last broadcast, but for those of you who recognize this, you'll already know what time it is." Violet's voice said as another voice spoke up with a smirk.

"That's right, it's SHOWTIME LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! But before we proceed to our main event, we have a special surprise for all of you. As our way of showing our appreciation to our lord and savior EMMA, we've decided to put on a special show for all of you! But don't take our word for it. See for yourselves!" Joker said as the feed cut to a view of the 'concert hall' that had been erected in the Jail of the Abyss. At that point, the camera panned to Diva, who smiled as she spoke up.

"Hi-Hi, viewers! My name is Diva, and with my associates Ronin, Shinobi, Seraphim, Bruiser, Fae, Auburn, Panther, and of course Draconis, we are the P-Thieves! And to honor the imminent arrival of the great EMMA, we have put together a pair of very special performances. We've picked out two songs that convey very different messages from one another as individual tracks. But when put together, they tell a very compelling story that will hopefully grab all of your attention. But don't take my word for it! Here's the first song!" Diva said as she left the stage and a sea of fog enveloped the area as a very slow but ominous piano melody started playing, and when it shifted from the piano to a pair of guitars being played, a very familiar voice spoke up to start singing the song.

(Song 1- Throw Away Your Mask, performed by Draconis and Bruiser)

(Verse 1- Draconis)

Beliefs that I have my faith in

It never seems to

See the light of day

Shadow is where my mind state's in

'Cause people tend to be

Sensitive to the new ways

But it doesn't have to be like this!

(Chorus- Draconis)

Don't sleep through dreams

That can come true

No more tears shall drop

From your cheeks anymore

You won't need to

Strive for greatness

Believe in me

That you don't need to

Suffer from

Anything!

(Verse 2- Bruiser)

You don't need to take a wrong turn

It just requires guidance from above

We don't need to have this conflict

'Cause I can take you

To the place of delight

Give peace

Of mind to the whole world!

(Chorus- Bruiser)

Don't sleep through dreams

That can come true

No more tears shall drop

From your cheeks anymore

You won't need to

Strive for greatness

Believe in me

That you don't need to

Suffer from

Anything!

(Brief Instrumental Solo)

(Verse 3- Draconis)

You can throw your mask away

No more pretending

You've been tied down for

The longest of the time

Be free!

You deserve to be free!

You should forever be free!

(Chorus- Draconis)

Don't sleep through dreams

That can come true

No more tears shall drop

From your cheeks anymore

You won't need to

Strive for greatness

Believe in me

That you don't need to

Suffer from

Anything!

(Bridge- Draconis and Bruiser)

Don't let go of your dreams!

No more tears shall drop

From your cheeks anymore!

You won't need to

Strive for greatness

Believe in me

That you don't need to

Suffer from

Anything!

NO MORE!

(End of Song 1)

After the song ended, a lot of applause and cheers were heard from the people listening to the performance as Diva came back out and spoke up.

"Hi-Hi! Diva here again! How was that performance by Draconis and Bruiser? Pretty wild, right? And we still have one more performance to give. But before that, let's have a word from our sponsors!" Diva said as the feed was once again replaced by the familiar logo with the words 'TAKE YOUR HEART' underneath it, as another voice spoke up.

"Listen up, citizens of Tokyo! You know us well by now, I'm sure." Flare's voice said as Queen's voice replaced it.

"And for those who don't, we are the Phantom Thieves, or the Phantom Crew as some might know us." Queen said as Noir giggled and spoke up.

"Indeed. And as you can probably guess, we've got a big announcement regarding our newest target!" Noir said as Oracle spoke up at that point.

"That's right! Our target this time, is ALL OF YOU!" Oracle said as Fox's voice spoke up.

"You see, you've all been made sheep, as a mechanical god was able to take away the sense of self you once had, reducing you to nothing more than mindless drones who can only be glued to their phones. And as much as it pains me to say it, you all allowed it to happen, just so you could await the so-called 'salvation' that EMMA has promised you." Fox said as Wolf spoke up.

"But the truth of the matter is that EMMA's so-called 'salvation' is just a load of nonsense! Do you really want someone telling you what your life is all about? Are you all really so weak-willed that you're willing to let some imaginary god solve your problems for you?" Wolf asked as Seeker's voice replaced it.

"All of you have paths only you can take, but to do so, the choices that you must make must be made by you alone and not influenced by someone else's wishes. It pains me to say that EMMA has led you all astray, but as long as you remember your true Desires, I believe that you will be able to return to your true path in life." Seeker said as Gumshoe spoke up at that point.

"And if you can't do that, then I have just one thing to say to that. Are we really talking to the citizens of Tokyo, or a pack of brain-dead imbeciles!?" Gumshoe said bluntly as Violet's voice was heard at that point.

"I understand what you wanted to say, Gumshoe-san. However, I don't think insulting the masses was the wisest thing you could have done. Nevertheless, I believe we can forgive you for expressing your thoughts, especially considering that what you just said might have been the result of your inner Crow speaking." Violet said gently as Crow spoke up with a frown.

"I resent that, Violet. But I won't make a scene over it for the sake of the masses. But with that being said, all of you fools need to come to your senses and wake up!" Crow said as Violet's voice spoke up again.

"Even though we said that all of you are our target this time, we can still save you as long as you cooperate with us." Violet said as Pendragon spoke up

"We can help you reclaim the Desires that were stolen from you, but only if you remember them and assist in manifesting them physically. This will enable us to retrieve them from the false god that you have all turned EMMA into!" Pendragon said as Sentinel spoke up at that point.

"Pendragon is right. And if a group of school kids can band together to stop not only a psychotic madman, a misguided goddess, and even a seemingly invincible entity, then all of you can do the same in order to remember what your true Desires are." Sentinel said as Skull grinned and spoke up.

"Truth, Sentinel! Are you all just gonna stand there and let some dumb god tell you all what to do!? Because the way I see it, you don't owe her anything!" Skull said as Buchi barked his agreement with Skull's words as Queen's voice was heard.

"I get what you were trying to say, but I don't think the majority of people speak dog, Buchi-kun. However, if I had to guess, I'm certain that you want everyone to remember what they want in life." Queen said as Messiah spoke up.

"Agreed. While it is understandable that EMMA's solutions can seem easy to many of you, I'm certain that not all of you feel that way. And if there's one thing I've learned from these guys after almost succeeding in doing the exact same thing, it's that humanity should be able to make their own choices without having their free will stripped from them by some would-be savior or false god." Messiah said bluntly as Mona nodded and spoke up.

"Messiah is absolutely right! We will do whatever we can in our power to free you guys from EMMA's control, but in the end? Only you have the power to allow your Desires to return to you! We are merely the catalyst to make this seemingly difficult task possible!" Mona said as Joker spoke up in a decisive voice.

"Hear this, citizens of Japan! Tonight, with your assistance, the Phantom Thieves will be able to reclaim your stolen Desires from the false god that EMMA has become. And we will do this without fail! So await our coming and be sure to eagerly anticipate the return of your Desires! But until then, enjoy the rest of our show, now that we've delivered our message! I think you'll enjoy the second half of this brief little concert!" Joker said as the feed cut back to the Jail of the Abyss as Diva spoke up.

"Wow, how about that message from the leader of the Phantom Thieves!? Wild, right? But I believe we still have one more song to play, so sit back and let us wow you with the talented tones of all of us females, myself included. And there might be two more males appearing at points in the song. So for now, enjoy!" Diva said as a more upbeat instrumental solo was played while the stage was obscured in fog, and when the fog lifted, two males were standing on the stage as they started singing the next song.

(Song 2- I Believe, performed by Ronin, Shinobi, Auburn, Seraphim, Fae, Diva, and Panther)

(Verse 1- Ronin)

It's time to

Unveil the hype y'all been waiting for!

It's time to

Bring an end to the question of who will win?

It's us!

(Shinobi) I used to have

Bad feeling

Premonitions

Of falling short

Now I have no fears

Since we're here

(Ronin and Shinobi) To fight it together!

(Chorus- Ronin and Shinobi)

(Ronin) I believe

We can fly up in the sky

One day we may just

Be able to touch down on a star

(Shinobi) Off the road we have to go

The roadless path we shall proceed

Until the end of our roles

There's no turning back for us

(Ronin and Shinobi) 'Cause we will never give up!

(Instrumental Solo, during which both Ronin and Shinobi exit stage left and more fog comes up, clearing to reveal a trio of females on-stage who start singing the next part)

(Verse 2- Auburn)

I thought that

I told you I'm not a robot, no!

I thought I

Told you I'm not a phantom

I'm in your face

(Seraphim) It's time to show

Everything we've got

To find a way out

From this fake mirage

(Fae) Our life is happening

In front of you

Right now!

(Auburn, Seraphim, and Fae) It's time to seize it!

(Chorus- Auburn, Seraphim, and Fae)

(Auburn) I believe

That we can fly up in the sky

(Fae) One day we may just

Be able to touch down on a star

(Seraphim) Off the road we have to go

The roadless path we shall proceed

Until the end of our roles

There's no turning back for us

(Auburn, Seraphim, and Fae) 'Cause we will never give up!

(Instrumental Solo 2 as more fog appears on stage and two more females appear on stage to sing the next verse)

(Verse 3- Diva and Panther)

(Diva) It's our turn

To get back

To grab the future

Which we fully believe

(Panther) And it's not given to us

It's earned!

(Chorus- Diva and Panther)

(Diva) And I believe

That we can fly up in the sky

One day we may just

Be able to touch down on a star

(Panther) Off the road we have to go

The roadless path we shall proceed

Until the end of our roles

There's no turning back for us

(Bridge- Diva, Panther, Auburn, Seraphim, and Fae)

(Diva) Because you know that

I believe!

(Seraphim) We can fly up in the sky!

(Fae) One day we may just

(Auburn) Be able to touch down on a star!

(Panther) Off the road we have to go

(Diva) The roadless path we shall proceed

Until the end of our roles

(Seraphim, Auburn, Fae, Panther) There's no turning back for us!

(Diva, Panther, Seraphim, Auburn, Fae, Ronin, and Shinobi) 'Cause we will never give up!

(End of Song 2)

As the song ended, more applause erupted from everyone watching as Diva spoke up while Draconis and Bruiser joined the rest of the group on stage.

"Thank you, thank you! We're so happy you like our show! But I'm afraid that's all the time we have for you today! Maybe if fate has it in store, we'll do another show someday! But for now, this is farewell! P-Thieves, out!" Diva said as all the involved Thieves waved to the crowd as at the exact same time that the concert ended, at the top of the Tree of Knowledge, all the Desires that EMMA had taken had taken physical form as countless little Desires floated in midair due to having materialized from the calling card...

(A short time later, back inside the Server Room, with Mona, Wolf, Noir, Crow, Draconis, Oracle, Buchi, Messiah, Skull, Ronin, Violet, Joker, Seeker, Ichinose, Queen, Pendragon, Seraphim, Auburn, Fox, Panther, Flare, Diva, Shinobi, Gumshoe, Bruiser, Fae, and Sentinel)

As the group gathered in the Server Room once more, Mona spoke up excitedly.

"I don't know how, but it seems like Draconis' plan really worked! I scoped out the Ark on a hunch, and it's totally exposed now!" Mona said as Oracle cheered and pumped a fist as she spoke up.

"Awesome! Mission complete!" Oracle said as Ronin shook his head and spoke up.

"Not just yet. That was only step one. Now we have to go and put a stop to EMMA's crazy plans." Ronin pointed out as Fox nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed. Now we can finally move on. Let's destroy the Ark and return those Desires to their rightful owners." Fox said as Skull pumped a fist and spoke up.

"Hell yeah!" Skull said as Gumshoe sweatdropped and muttered what sounded like 'is Skull seriously that simple-minded!?' under her breath while Seeker turned to Ichinose and spoke up.

"Thank you, Ichinose. I knew you'd come through for us." Seeker said as Ichinose smiled and spoke up.

"Nonsense, Seeker. I should be the one thanking you for believing in me. Anyway, I'm just glad I could help. However, this is as far as my help can go. All I can do now is to root for you from here on, though. Be careful out there." Ichinose said as Seeker turned to her and spoke up.

"Don't worry about us, Ichinose. Before you know it, we'll see each other again once this is all over." Seeker said as Oracle smiled and spoke up.

"Seeker's right, try not to get too anxious. With all of us here, we'll clean this all up in one fell swoop!" Oracle said as Queen spoke up with a closed-eye smile.

"Right! We promise we'll shut down EMMA and come back safe." Queen said as Fox spoke up.

"After all, we've yet to hold the closing celebration for our trip." Fox said as Bruiser frowned and spoke up.

"Isn't it a bit early to be talking about celebrations, Fox? I feel like that should be saved until AFTER we take out EMMA, if anything." Bruiser said as Ronin nodded and spoke up.

"I agree with Bruiser. Our top priority is to bring EMMA down and save the world from her schemes." Ronin said as Seraphim smiled and spoke up.

"Cheer up, Ronin! We have over two dozen Persona-users assembled here, even if a couple of our group are navigators." Seraphim said as Joker spoke up.

"That reminds me, now that Messiah is part of the team, we will have to make a minor change to the groups. Messiah, do you mind if you take Diva's spot in Group A? I know it might be a bit of a surprise to you to be on the front lines. However, I can assure you that myself, Violet, Seeker Draconis, Wolf, Ronin, and Sentinel have got your back." Joker said as Messiah spoke up.

"That's fine by me, Joker. Although, I hope Diva doesn't mind me taking her spot." Messiah said as Diva smiled and spoke up.

"Not at all, I'm more than willing to lend you my spot. However, I'm not sure if Violet or Draconis are okay with him being a part of the same group as them." Diva asked as Violet spoke up.

"I'm more than fine with having Messiah be a part of our group. If anything, having him go up against EMMA directly might prove advantageous given how powerful his Persona skills are." Violet said as Draconis spoke up.

"I agree. Plus, I did tell him earlier that I would be keeping an eye on him. So this will make things much easier for me." Draconis said as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"Alright then. Since Messiah will be joining my group for the final battle, in regards to what Diva is going to do, she will join Fae in navigating the three groups for the remainder of this Jail. With that being said, are there any objections?" Joker said as none were raised. Panther spoke up at that point with a closed-eye smile on her face.

"I don't think that there are any, Joker. Oh, and Fox, I do like the idea that you suggested! We should definitely check out the pictures we took together throughout this trip!" Panther said as Noir giggled and spoke up.

"Hee hee, that's true. We'll need quite a few snacks. We can't forget the Leblanc coffee, either." Noir said as Mona spoke up.

"And I demand sushi! The premium stuff, too!" Mona said as Seraphim spoke up.

"Ooh, sushi!? Seconded!" Seraphim said as both Ronin and Auburn groaned at Seraphim's predictable enjoyment of sushi. Wolf chuckled and spoke up.

"Aren't you guys nervous at all about our final battle looming? Ha, I guess knowing you guys, it's just how you all roll, huh?" Wolf said as Shinobi spoke up.

"Take it from me, Wolf. Once you've stopped one god-like entity from destroying the world, you've stopped them all. Also, if we went to pieces over every big battle we faced, the entire Investigation Team should've been committed to a mental hospital by now. And that's not even getting into Seraphim or the Shadow Operatives. Granted, Seraphim might be fine, but I would bet good money that most of the Shadow Operatives would be committed as well." Shinobi said as Sentinel smirked and spoke up.

"You're not wrong, Shinobi. Those of us in the Shadow Operatives have been through a lot over the years, so of course we'd be locked up if we went to pieces over all of it." Sentinel said in amusement as Messiah smirked and spoke up.

"Quite. I suspect we all have our own demons we've had to confront over the years. Other than maybe Seeker, all of us have something we're not proud of." Messiah said as Crow spoke up.

"I hardly think that you get to comment on that after what you've put us through, Messiah." Crow said bluntly as Draconis spoke up.

"He's not wrong, though, is he? But nonetheless, I think we should wait until after this final battle before we think about further sorting out the particulars of what Messiah has done, Crow." Draconis said bluntly as Skull nodded approvingly before he cheered and spoke up excitedly.

"Hell yeah, Draconis! Let's kick this final mission's ass!" Skull said as Violet spoke up.

"Right. This will really be our last battle, so let's give it everything we've got." Violet said as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"Couldn't have said it better myself, beautiful! And since this might be one of the last chances I get to do this, we might as well start our final mission off with a bang! You all know what time it is, right?" Joker said as everyone nodded and Joker kept speaking.

"That's right. IT'S SHOWTIME! PHANTOM THIEVES! LET'S MOVE OUT!" Joker said as the others cheered as all of the gathered Persona-users then proceeded to leave EMMA's server room one by one all while Ichinose stayed behind for her own safety. As everyone kept moving, they knew that this final battle would decide a lot in regards to the Phantom Thieves, Investigation Team, Shadow Operatives, and the entire world...

END OF CHAPTER

A/N: And boom, there we go! Another chapter finally done and dusted! I thought we might have two one-chapter Jails in a row for a second there, but no such luck here. That said, the next chapter should (keyword being SHOULD) be the final battle and the beginnings of the ending of Strikers. So in other words, once the next chapter is typed out and posted, that will be when my current poll ends and the final results are tabulated to determine what I work on after Rise of the Monarchs concludes.

So anyone who might want to vote on that poll has until chapter 44 is posted to do so, since once it goes up, I will be closing the poll and figuring out the results, applying any tiebreakers that are needed once the poll closes to decide the top 3 options for the poll. So if anyone wants to vote, I suggest hurrying up and doing so, as time is running out!

EDIT: I didn't allow for the fact that the editorial process on this chapter would take an additional just over two weeks from when the chapter was first posted (or July 6th) to get sorted out, so that's extra time for people to vote. As of the point of typing this part of the end-of-chapter A/N (or 10:16PM on Sunday, July 21st, 2024), the plan is most likely to have the next chapter go up in the not-too-distant future. I'll have to consult with jdimock to get a firm estimate on when he thinks it should go up, but I'm leaning towards this coming Saturday (July 27th) as the day that chapter 44 goes live, and subsequently marks the end of the current poll on my profile. So there's still time left for anyone that hasn't voted on the poll and wants to do so.

For anyone curious, the tally still sits at the same 2-2-1-1-1-1-0 vote that it did the last time I gave an update on the poll (which should've been the end-of-chapter A/N for the previous chapter), so it seems like not many people are interested in voting on the poll. Hopefully that will change before it ends. But if not, I'm fine with the outcome as it sits, mostly because one of the options that is tied for 1st ranked fairly highly on the last poll it was in. But that's enough about the poll, so let's get back to the regularly-scheduled end-of-chapter A/N that was interrupted, yeah?

As a bit of a semi-related aside, I've been giving a lot more thought to possibly doing an adaptation of Persona 5 Tactica set in the Phantom Files-verse, possibly as a final act to make the Phantom Files series a proper trilogy, but I'll leave that for the readers to decide perhaps. Should I do an adaptation of Persona 5 Tactica that acts as a potential sequel to Rise of the Monarchs? Alternatively, would you prefer that I do my own attempt at a Persona 5 Arena type story instead to act as a sequel to Rise of the Monarchs? I'm open to reader input on this, so feel free to let me know your opinions below in the reviews.

Before I get to my next point, let me take a chance to clarify any confusion people might have about my choice of weapons for Messiah. I gave him the snake sword for his melee weapon since it seems like an accurate choice of melee weapon for someone who is trying to find redemption after losing their way. Also, it was one of the few melee weapons not already accounted for by the other Thieves. His ranged weapon will probably be revealed in the next chapter, but if it's not, it may or may not be a flamethrower. Just putting that out there. But enough about Messiah. Let me get back to what I was saying before I digressed like I did.

That being said, it's hard to believe that we're already approaching the end of Rise of the Monarchs. Unless some crazy shenanigans happen in the final Arc, there's very little chance this story will hit 50 chapters, unless I do at least six 'epilogue' chapters, which is possible given that there are presently 26 total Phantom Thieves (after including the nine added in this chapter as one-off allies in Ronin, Diva, Shinobi, Gumshoe, Fae, Buchi, Bruiser, Sentinel, and Messiah).

Anyways, for now, let me real quick note that I do not own either one of the songs featured in this chapter, though both songs are incredibly good songs (and both are from Persona 5 Royal, ironically).

The first track that was featured, 'Throw Your Mask Away', or 'Throw Away Your Mask' as some archives list it, was recorded by the talented Lyn Inaizumi and written by the equally talented Lotus Juice (who actually recorded a couple of tracks for Persona 3 Reload that are really good in the forms of 'Color Your Night' and 'It's Going Down Now', both of which are legit bangers!)

As for the second track, that track is called 'I believe', and was also recorded by Lyn Inaizumi. Funnily enough, like the first track used in this chapter, the lyrics for 'I Believe' were also written by Lotus Juice. Maybe I'm wrong, but is nearly every lyric that Lotus Juice writes legit heat?

And before someone mentions it in a review, the Reload version of 'Burn My Dread' does NOT count as 'heat', especially since whoever handled those lyrics seriously ruined that song when they ported it over to Reload. The original version that plays in the final battle of Persona 3/Persona 3 FES/Persona 3 Portable is a banger, though. But the version in Reload makes me want to cringe every time I hear it because of how hard they bastardized the lyrics in spots.

I swear, even though I know they're saying 'Burn My Dread', I keep hearing 'Burn My Bread' instead. I blame that stupid 'burn my bread' meme that was going around for a while when the original version came out, since I swear they turned the Reload version of 'Burn My Dread' into a love letter to that meme. And they even got rid of the rapping that was in the original version, which was some of the best parts for me. Why did they do that to such a good song? SMH.

Anyways, back on the subject of Rise of the Monarchs, I want to thank everyone who's read this far, not only into the chapter, but the story as a whole. Your continued support, be it through reading the story or even adding it to your Story Alerts/Favorite Stories lists, leaving a review, or even following/favoriting me as an author, is greatly appreciated. Feel free to keep showing this story love, as it truly does deserve it! So thank you all! I always enjoy hearing from my readers, so don't be shy about leaving a review or PMing me, as I welcome the feedback and input from my readers.

And until the next chapter, sithlorde1988 out!

NOTES

*1* - Since this is the last chance to do so, I figured I'd throw the scene with the group finding the ultimate weapons for Oracle, Violet and Flare here. Violet's ultimate weapon is essentially her ultimate weapon from Royal, other than being renamed and having the effect tweaked a bit ('hence 'Sword of Sinai EX' instead of 'Sword of Sinai II', which is the actual name of her ultimate weapon in Royal).

As for Flare's, hers is a unique weapon I added for the story, much as Flare herself is an added Phantom Thief for Rise of the Monarchs. As for Oracle's? Hers is just an extension of herself as a navigator- quirky, unique, and very OP in the 'Luck' category. That being said, here are descriptions of the ultimate weapons found in this chapter:

Adamantium Staff (Oracle) - Power: 365 Accuracy: 97 Effect: Gives +15 to Luck, and ups the chances of both 'Active Boost EX' and 'Moral Boost EX' activating in battle.

Sword of Sinai EX (Violet) - Power: 365 Accuracy: 95 Effect: Gives the wielder +30 to Max SP and High Dizzy

Orichalcum Bracers (Flare) - Power: 370 Accuracy: 90 Effect: Gives the wielder +30 to Max HP and SP and auto-Heat Riser at the start of a battle

There are the descriptions for Violet and Flare's ultimate weapons. Furthermore, before anyone asks, NO, there will not be ultimate weapons or Triad Specials for the one-off Thieves (e.g. Ronin, Shinobi, Gumshoe, Diva, Sentinel, Bruiser, Buchi, Fae, and Messiah), since they're not going to be around long enough to bother with any of that.

Also, if they did have them, they'd be the same as in Persona 3 Reload/Persona 4 Golden (excluding Fae, Diva, and Messiah, who either weren't in those games or didn't get weapons due to being navigators in those games), so just assume that the one-off Thieves are using their ultimate weapons (excluding Fae, Messiah, and Diva, who will just use their default equipment) if you're wondering about the one-off allies' stats.

*2* - This right here is a legit typo in the script. When you hear the spoken version of this line, Queen clearly says what I wrote in the chapter, but the actual typed script says 'considering EMMA's grown as strong a god' instead of 'considering EMMA's grown as strong as a god', which is what she actually says in the voiced version of that line. How that got through beta testing and spell checks, I have no clue. But I figured I'd point that out.

PHANTOM THIEF SKILL LISTINGS, ALLY LIST, AND LIST OF TRIAD SPECIALS AS OF THE END OF CHAPTER 43

JOKER (Ren) - Level: 87 Current Personas: Raoul (Level 87), Mot (Level 75), Black Frost (Level 76), Forneus (Level 74), Cerberus (Level 70), Dominion (Level 69), Thor (Level 78), Sarasvati (Level 69), Yoshitsune (Level 87), Norn (Level 86) Equipped Persona: Raoul Persona Moveset: Eigaon (Curse), One-Shot Kill (Gun), Rebel Soul (Passive), Resist Ice (Passive), Mediarahan (Healing), Curse Amp (Passive), Maeigaon (Curse), Regenerate 3 (Passive)

SKULL (Ryuji) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: William Persona Moveset: Ziodyne (Elec), God's Hand (Physical), Matarukaja (Support/Buff), Elec Boost (Passive), Maziodyne (Elec), Charge (Support/Buff), Agneyastra (Physical), Technical High (Passive)

MONA (Morgana) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Diego Persona Moveset: Garudyne (Wind), Diarahan (Healing), Salvation (Healing), Magarudyne (Wind), Wind Amp (Passive), Samarecarm (Healing), Masukunda (Support/Debuff), Dodge Elec (Passive)

PANTHER (Ann) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Celestine Persona Moveset: Agidyne (Fire), Concentrate (Support/Buff), Fire Amp (Passive), Soul Thief (Passive), Blazing Hell (Fire), Matarunda (Support/Debuff), Brain Jack (Ailment), Diarahan (Healing)

FOX (Yusuke) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Gorokichi Persona Moveset: Bufudyne (Ice), Sword Dance (Physical), Masukukaja (Support/Buff), Knockdown Style (Passive), Myriad Slashes (Physical), Brave Blade (Physical), Mabufudyne (Ice), Evade Fire (Passive)

QUEEN (Makoto) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Agnes Persona Moveset: Atomic Flare (Nuclear), Dekunda (Support/Buff), Marakukaja (Support/Buff), Mafreidyne (Nuclear), Diarahan (Healing), Flash Bomb (Physical), Mediarahan (Healing), Nuke Amp (Passive)

NOIR (Haru) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Lucy Persona Moveset: Psiodyne (Psy), Ailment Boost (Passive), Heat Riser (Support/Buff), Riot Gun (Gun), Evil Smile (Ailment), Amrita Shower (Healing), Mapsiodyne (Psy), Gun Amp (Passive)

ORACLE (Futaba) - Level: 87 Current Personas: Al Azif and Albus Equipped Persona: Albus Persona Moveset: Arcane Bolt (Elec/Psy), Matarukaja (Support/Buff), Megidolaon (Almighty), Marakukaja (Support/Buff), Concentrate (Support/Buff), Masukukaja (Support/Buff), Invigorate 3 (Passive), Spell Master (Passive)

SEEKER (Sophia) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Pandora Persona Moveset: Kougaon (Bless), Bless Amp (Passive), Diarahan (Healing), Makougaon (Bless), Mediarahan (Healing), Marakunda (Support/Debuff), Angelic Grace (Passive), Samarecarm (Healing)

WOLF (Zenkichi) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Valjean Persona Moveset: Megidolaon (Almighty), Gun Boost (Passive), Debilitate (Support/Debuff), Agneyastra (Physical), One-Shot Kill (Gun), Heat Riser (Support/Buff), Enduring Soul (Passive), Firm Stance (Passive)

VIOLET (Sumire) - Level: 87 Current/Partner Persona: Ella Persona Moveset: Kougaon (Bless), Dodge Curse (Passive), Diarahan (Healing), Bless Amp (Passive), Vorpal Blade (Physical), Makougaon (Bless), Sword Dance (Physical), Brave Step (Support/Healing)

DRACONIS (Kusa) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Malefor Persona Moveset: Agilao (Fire), Garula (Wind), Mediarahan (Healing), Draconic Aura (Support/Buff), Null Bless (Passive), Gigantomachia (Physical), Megi-Flare (Almighty), Almighty Amp (Passive)

CROW (Goro) - Level: 82 Current Personas: Robin Hood, Loki, and Hereward Equipped Persona: Hereward Persona Moveset: Eigaon (Curse), Riot Gun (Gun), Maeigaon (Curse), Laevateinn (Physical), Debilitate (Support/Debuff), Mudoon (Curse/insta-kill), Rebellion Blade (Almighty), Curse Amp (Passive)

PENDRAGON (Sojiro) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Kohryu Persona Moveset: Psycho Force (Psy), Gigantomachia (Physical), Concentrate (Support/Buff), Mediarahan (Healing), Mapsiodyne (Psy), Evade Nuke (Passive), Spell Master (Passive), Psy Amp (Passive)

FLARE (Shiho) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Hester Persona Moveset: Diamond Dust (Ice), Myriad Slashes (Physical), Mediarahan (Healing), Angelic Grace (Passive), Samarecarm (Healing), Freidyne (Nuclear), Ice Amp (Passive), Nuke Amp (Passive)

SERAPHIM (Nanako) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Sraosha Persona Moveset: Ziodyne (Elec), Brave Blade (Physical), Charge (Support/Buff), Wild Thunder (Elec), Salvation (Healing), Elec Amp (Passive), Hamaon (Bless/insta-kill), Angelic Grace (Passive)

AUBURN (Akane) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Houdini Persona Moveset: Agidyne (Fire), Diarahan (Healing), Riot Gun (Gun), Abyssal Wings (Curse), Regenerate 3 (Passive), Charge (Support/Buff), Evade Ice (Passive), Evade Bless (Passive)

RONIN (Yu) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Izanagi-No-Okami Persona Moveset: Myriad Truths (Almighty), Cross Slash (Physical), Charge (Support/Buff), Thunder Reign (Elec), Concentrate (Support/Buff), Wild Thunder (Elec), Vorpal Blade (Physical), Salvation (Healing)

SHINOBI (Yosuke) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Takehaya Susano-o Persona Moveset: Garudyne (Wind), Brave Blade (Physical), Youthful Wind (Support/Healing), Dekaja (Support/Debuff), Magarudyne (Wind), Wind Amp (Passive), Diarahan (Healing), Evade Elec (Passive)

GUMSHOE (Naoto) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Yamato Sumeragi Persona Moveset: Kougaon (Bless), Eigaon (Curse), Vorpal Blade (Physical), Concentrate (Support/Buff), Hamaon (Bless/insta-kill), Mudoon (Curse/insta-kill), Megidolaon (Almighty), Shield of Justice (Support/Barrier)

DIVA (Rise) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Kouzeon Persona Moveset: Complete Analysis (Passive), Treasure Radar (Passive), Enemy Radar (Passive), Certain Escape (Passive), Vigor Song (Passive), Weakness Scan (Passive), Third Eye (Passive), Stamina Song (Passive)

SENTINEL (Aigis) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Pallas Athena Persona Moveset: God's Hand (Physical), Matarukaja (Support/Buff), Diarahan (Healing), Marakukaja (Support/Buff), Akasha Arts (Physical), Masukukaja (Support/Buff), Dekunda (Support/Debuff), Rebel Soul (Passive)

BRUISER (Akihiko) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Caesar Persona Moveset: Ziodyne (Elec), Matarunda (Support/Debuff), God's Hand (Physical), Marakunda (Support/Debuff), Maziodyne (Elec), Masukunda (Support/Debuff), Diarahan (Healing), Elec Amp (Passive)

BUCHI (Koromaru) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Cerberus Persona Moveset: Agidyne (Fire), Fire Amp (Passive), Eigaon (Curse), Masukukaja (Support/Buff), Maragidyne (Fire), Mudoon (Curse/insta-kill), Dekaja (Support/Debuff), Curse Amp (Passive)

FAE (Fuuka) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: Juno Persona Moveset: Full Analysis (Passive), Support Scan (Passive), Third Eye (Passive), Healing Wave (Passive), Jamming (Passive), Sylphid Aura (Passive), Escape Route (Passive), Jail Search (Passive)

MESSIAH (Maruki) - Level: 82 Current/Partner Persona: TBA (A surprise 3rd tier evolution of Azathoth and Adam Kadmon that will be revealed next chapter)

LIST OF ALLIES: Taichi, Momoe, Sae, Chie, Yukiko, Kanji, Teddie, Mishima, Minako, Shinichi, Hiraguchi, Shibusawa, Shibusawa's Wife, Marie, Yukari, Junpei, Mitsuru, Ken, Labrys, Ichinose

LIST OF KNOWN TRIAD SPECIALS AS OF REACHING THE END OF CHAPTER 43

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)

STORM OF HEAVEN (Violet, Mona, Seeker)

HELLISH ELEMENTAL TRINITY (Skull, Panther, Flare)

MIRROR OF THE ORDAINED (Pendragon, Mona, Draconis)

KARMA STINGERS (Seraphim, Fox, Noir)

WRATH OF THE CHOSEN ONES (Draconis, Crow, Joker)

CHAOTIC PLASMA RAIN (Auburn, Seraphim, Oracle)

ATOMIC ONSLAUGHT (Wolf, Auburn, Queen)

BOLTS OF ARMAGEDDON (Oracle, Skull, Seraphim)

BLADE OF SEDATION (Crow, Wolf, Pendragon)

RED-HOT SMACKDOWN (Flare, Noir, Queen)