AN: Another chapter down. Sorry it took about three weeks this time.
For my next Confidant chapter, I'm planning on doing Justice and one more (or maybe snippets of other Confidants?). I haven't actually decided on what Confidant(s) to do besides Justice, so I was wondering if anyone was hoping to see any specific characters bonding with Urano. No promises that I'll do what you ask, though.
AO3 – Thank you BigServal, Super_Big_Mac, AshEshyr, and SaulAxel. BigServal, Super_Big_Mac, yes, Okumura was killed in the real world like Joker in canon.
AshEshyr, in order… you've got a point about how I've been sticking to canon, and that will be changing more… I believe you're right about Morgana not getting sushi until Strikers; I also felt bad for him… museums and banks… now that you mention it, it does make sense that few people would remember a throwaway even if they did make the connection.
The Emperor & The Empress
Yusuke Kitagawa's PoV
"Urano, this is the completed form of my earlier draft," said Yusuke, showing off his painting. "I would like your honest opinion… if you would."
"It feels… intense," answered the bookworm. "Intense and violent."
Her reply wasn't as concrete as he would've liked, but Yusuke still felt like he'd succeeded.
"This is how I choose to interpret the idea of 'desire,'" the artist told Urano as he admired his work. "It is the foul charm held deep within the abyss of the heart… To be honest, I believe my ability to capture desire so elegantly is all due to our foray into Mementos. I have grown to understand the intricacies of the heart in a way I had once thought impossible…"
Yusuke turned to face Urano and found, to his surprise, that she was frowning deeply.
"Isn't that only distorted desire?" she asked.
Hm?
"…I don't understand," stated Yusuke, perplexed by the bookworm's comment. "Lust… Vanity… Greed… All desires are distorted. Haven't our experiences in the Metaverse made that obvious?"
She looked at the artist, befuddled.
"I think you might have a twisted view of desire because of your experiences with Madarame," comment Urano. "Or would you call your passion for art a distorted desire?"
Yusuke twitched.
"Of course not!" yelled the artist, incensed by her words. "Art is my life's purpose, not some filthy desire!" He began rolling up his painting. "I won't stand here and let you insult me like this."
Desire was the reason his art career had stalled, not the cause of it! And this painting was the spark that would revitalize it!
"And to think, I had been planning to have you accompany me for the moment this work would finally be revealed to the public," muttered Yusuke as he stormed off.
To Yusuke's surprise, he ran into Urano at the art show where he presented the painting.
"What are you doing here?" questioned the artist coldly.
"I'm here to support you," she answered as if it was obvious. "Even if I don't agree with you, we're still friends."
"…Oh," replied Yusuke, feeling a little embarrassed about his attitude. "In that case, thank you."
It seemed that he still had more to learn about friendship – and about Urano.
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Rank Up!
Confidant: Yusuke Kitagawa. Arcana: Emperor. Rank: 2.
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It also turned out that Yusuke had more to learn about art. His painting was met with criticism, both from casual observers and from an old gentleman who actually knew about art.
"…but does this painting really tell you anything?" commented the gentleman. "It is empty, devoid of meaning. I suggest you take a more critical eye to your work in the future if you truly want to progress as an artist."
Yusuke barely noticed as the gentleman left, already dwelling on his words.
"My work is… empty?" repeated the artist, staring at his work. "But… why? I put my heart and soul into this piece, captured the very essence of desire… Oh…"
The answer came to him along with a dash of shame.
"…I see," said Yusuke as he turned to Urano. "I apologize for what I said the other day. It appears that you were correct. My painting was supposed to lay bare the realities of the world… but instead it merely lay bare how superficial my conception of desire is."
He looked back at his work.
"I haven't captured desire… Desire has captured me…!" wailed the so-called artist, dropping to his knees in shame. "How could I have fooled myself into believing otherwise!? It is as though I have been forsaken by the gods of art!"
"Bwuh!?" cried Urano, sounding distressed. "C-calm down, Yusuke! You're making a scene!"
"How can I!? This grave mistake shall be the end for me!"
"You're being too dramatic! If your painting is no good, then just learn more about desire and try again!"
Once again, the bookworm provided Yusuke with a glimmer of hope.
"Urano…" said the artist, hoping his tone conveyed all of the appreciation that he felt toward her. He stood up and spoke in a calmer voice. "You are correct. Surrendering myself to fate after only one failure would be very much unlike me."
Yusuke would overcome his slump. He would paint and paint and paint some more. He wouldn't stop until he learned to capture the essence of the emotion that was desire!
Yusuke was truly glad that Urano had been here to assist him. Without her, he'd still be drowning in a pool of self-pity.
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Rank Up!
Confidant: Yusuke Kitagawa. Arcana: Emperor. Rank: 3.
Haru Okumura's PoV
"For as long as I can remember, the company has been run by my father," Haru told Urano. They were on the rooftop of Shujin, tending to the heiress's garden. "Being liked by him was always very important. Some employees would even come to ingratiate themselves to me."
Likely because of her own recent experience with the loss of someone important to her, the bookworm had told Haru that she was always free to talk about anything. Today, Haru had decided to take Urano up on that offer.
"…But since his passing, things have gotten unruly," continued Haru. "Most evidently, people have started trying to use my influence as majority shareholder to oust other employees. They say they come to me out of respect… but I know they really just want to use me."
"They're jerks," stated Urano, earning a chuckle from the heiress. One of the things Haru really liked about Urano was the fact that the Okumura name meant nothing to the bookworm. She would always just say what she felt.
Haru proceeded to tell Urano about the new president of Okumura Foods, Takakura. Rumors surrounded the man, and she couldn't tell fact from fiction. He offered to assist the heiress with 'asset management,' but Haru feared that he also had an ulterior motive.
"He sounds suspicious," agreed Urano.
Haru felt herself grow lighter as the conversation went on. Neither she nor Urano came up with any solutions to her problems, but just talking about them made the heiress feel better.
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Rank Up!
Confidant: Haru Okumura. Arcana: Empress. Rank: 3.
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In truth, Haru still hadn't fully recovered from her father's passing. Despite his misdeeds, she kept finding herself thinking about him and wishing he was still around. Spending time around her friends like this didn't make Haru magically forget her grief… but it did make her remember that she was loved and appreciated.
Urano Motosu's PoV
To expand Yusuke's understanding of desire, we went out onto a lake in a rented boat so that he could paint the romantic scene of a couple taking a boat ride together. However, the 'couple' Yusuke was painting turned out to be brother and sister.
"So that overflowing passion was just a figment of my imagination…?" asked Yusuke, aghast. "It seems my bias has caused me to overlook the truth of the matter…"
"At least you found out," I said, trying to reassure him. "The point of your training is to broaden your views, so this is progress. Besides, familial love is still a form of love."
My words cheered Yusuke up.
"Perhaps… the truth of the heart lies in the beholder," concluded Yusuke.
That wasn't at all what I was saying, but… eh… at least he learned something from this, I guess.
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Rank Up!
Confidant: Yusuke Kitagawa. Arcana: Emperor. Rank: 4.
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"Wait… so only couples ride these things, right?" wondered the woman that Yusuke had been painting. "That means those two…"
However, Yusuke and I were out of earshot, so we never realized that we'd been mistaken for a couple.
(Or at least Yusuke never realized it. Morgana and Futaba pointed it out to me later and laughed at my embarrassment until I threatened to bring out the maid costumes.)
"Our theme today shall be anguish!" declared Yusuke.
This time, we were in the church where I would play shogi with Hifumi. Yusuke wanted me to pose as if I were Christ (preferably naked), which I agreed to do (fully clothed). Luckily, Yusuke agreed without complaint after realizing that stripping in a church was a terrible idea.
"Now then, let us begin," said the artist. "Show me a pose that will put the anguish of Christ on full display."
I obeyed, but Yusuke wasn't satisfied.
"More… Give me more anguish…! Bring it to its upper limits!"
Eventually, my pose become acceptable in his eyes. Personally, though, I felt like my pose was less 'the Passion of Christ' and more 'the Gl*co man.' I couldn't really imagine an actual religious figure posing like this.
(For some reason, I felt the urge to shout, 'praise be to the gods!')
Nonetheless, a priest interrupted us before Yusuke could start painting. He explained to us that the crucifixion was actually about forgiveness and hope being born from anguish. Yusuke didn't quite understand what the priest was saying, but I sort of did.
While I was proud to be a part of the Phantom Thieves of Heart and had no intentions of stopping, there was – and always would be – a part of me that just wanted to be an ordinary girl who spent her days reading stories instead of living one. Exploring the Metaverse was exhausting. Fighting Shadows was scary. Being the leader was stressful.
…But the hope we brought with every change of heart made it all worthwhile.
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Rank Up!
Confidant: Yusuke Kitagawa. Arcana: Emperor. Rank: 5.
Haru Okumura's PoV
Haru spent another afternoon with Urano, both of them tending to the heiress's secret rooftop garden. Haru told the bookworm about how her hobby had begun.
(Incidentally, Urano's shocked reaction when she learned that the garden wasn't school approved was cute.)
Spending time around Urano was much more enjoyable than spending time around her fiancé, and Haru told her as much.
"That reminds me though," said the heiress. "I wanted to ask your advice about him…"
Haru began by explaining how her relationship with Sugimura started.
"Oh, b-but um… no 'relationship' stuff happened, just to be clear!"
Then, she moved onto the problem.
Recently, Sugimura had been pushing Haru to go on an 'early honeymoon' with her, but she couldn't even stand to look at him, much less spend any actual prolonged time around him. The heiress was hoping Urano knew what to say to decline his offer.
"You could say 'I don't want to go anywhere with a perverted asshole like you,'" suggested the bookworm.
"R-right," responded Haru. Although, she really shouldn't have been surprised by the bluntness of Urano's word. "I think I'll leave out the 'perverted asshole' part… but I suppose it would be best to simply be clear about it."
Unfortunately, that wasn't the only problem her fiancé posed. And the other issue wasn't something that could simply be rejected.
Before his passing, her father had made a contract with Sugimura promising that the marriage would take place. The company would have to pay extreme reparations if it got called off for any reason. Haru could postpone the marriage while she was in high school, but after that?
"…Is that sort of contract even legal?" asked Urano, incredulous. "And why does the company have to pay for Okumura's promise? Your fiancé isn't marrying Okumura Foods."
"Father was the CEO," explained Haru. She paused. "…Or perhaps Okumura Foods is only responsible for paying Sugimura because of Father's death? I haven't actually looked at the contract myself."
"Maybe you should have some lawyers look at it, too," advised the bookworm. "If you're lucky, they might find a loophole in it."
Haru wasn't too sure about that. She'd either have to trust the lawyers at Okumura Foods, who could be on Sugimura's side, or hire private lawyers, which would be expensive yet may yield no results. Then again, desperate times do call for desperate measures…
"Nonetheless, a relationship should be built on something like… a love so intense that just seeing the other person makes your chest tighten up," said Haru, shifted the conversation away from what her relationship with Sugimura was like to what a relationship should be like. "Have, um… Have you ever experienced that?"
"Not unless you count books."
"Really!?" cried Haru, pleased about Urano's response.
She had a chance! Haru felt more motivated than ever to find a way out of this fiancé business and begin a relationship with someone she actually felt sparks for!
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Rank Up!
Confidant: Haru Okumura. Arcana: Empress. Rank: 4.
Yusuke Kitagawa's PoV
Madarame's shack hadn't changed in the slightest.
That was the first thought that entered Yusuke's mind when he returned to the place with Urano. His goal in returning was to rediscover his innocent passion for painting beauty, back before he learned of his former mentor's foul nature.
Though the police had confiscated all of the shack's contents – including, to Urano's displeasure, the bookshelf and its various tomes – the artist could vividly recall numerous memories of his life there.
"I used to paint in this room…" Yusuke told the bookworm. "…and I did it simply for the joy of painting. No matter what I took as my subject, my hands would move of their own accord to capture its essence…"
A smile briefly crossed his face, only to morph into a frown moments later.
"But back then, I only saw the superficial beauty of the world. I could not see the grime beneath. After learning the truth behind Madarame's actions though, everything changed. I strove to fight back against the newfound ugliness I saw… To display my talent to those who mocked me… I needed to do whatever it took to validate my artistic ability…"
That was when his slump began.
"…Ultimately, I began to emulate that which I had deeply despised in Madarame."
"…Is there anything wrong with that, though?" asked Urano, puzzling Yusuke. "I mean, it's not as if you've been plagiarizing others' works like Madarame did. You just want to be praised for your work instead of criticized. Anyone would want that."
The artist blinked, surprised by the bookworm's nonchalance.
"But it isn't simply that," clarified Yusuke. "Painting used to be all my heart desired… yet now I desire money and the praise of others. Is this what pure passion is supposed to look like!? My heart is clouded by worldly desires…!"
However, Urano was unaffected by his diatribe.
"Like I said, what's wrong with that?" she said. "My dream of becoming a librarian blends my passion for books with my need for money. Worldly desires are only a problem if you let them control you."
Yusuke felt the urge to point out that Urano's passion for books was also a worldly desire (and one that controlled her quite a bit, at that) when he was struck by an epiphany.
Urano was afflicted with the same ugliness as him. Yet, since getting to know her, Yusuke had not once considered the bookworm to be ugly… because she was constantly acting for the sake of others.
"I see…" murmured the artist. "I have been a fool! Beauty is not the superficial thing I have long thought it to be!"
"Bwuh!? Beauty? When did we start talking about that?"
"It is something that wells up within the heart until it breaks free…! It is a gift, given by a subject unto its viewers…! Yes, I finally see the truth…! You have my sincerest gratitude, Urano! You have been a tremendous aid!"
Exactly as Urano herself had said, it didn't matter whether a person possessed worldly desires so long as those vices were outshone by the person's kindness. And the light of that kindness was the true form of beauty.
"…You're welcome?" she replied, confused. "Although… um… how exactly did I help you?"
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Rank Up!
Confidant: Yusuke Kitagawa. Arcana: Emperor. Rank: 6.
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Yusuke knew that Madarame's worldly desires blotted out any beauty within him. However, after having this epiphany, Yusuke firmly believed that his former mentor had genuinely possessed some of that light that was kindness.
"Hello? Is someone there? I'm coming in."
To Yusuke and Urano's surprise, the old man from the exhibition entered Madarame's shack. As it turned out, he was the Director of the Japanese Art Support Foundation. The man wished to serve as Yusuke's patron and help him overcome his slump.
The man's offer was exactly the sort of opportunity that Yusuke had been wishing for. The artist felt thankful toward Urano, as he'd never have been able to return here to Madarame's shack to receive this offer without her support.
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Rank Up!
Confidant: Yusuke Kitagawa. Arcana: Emperor. Rank: 7.
Urano Motosu's PoV
"Just a single cup of the Dark Ivory coffee here costs roughly six thousand yen," Haru told me. "Well, shall we order? I'll be paying for your cup as well."
We were at the hotel buffet that the Phantom Thieves had visited in celebration after changing Kamoshida's heart.
"You don't have to do that," I responded, not wanting to take advantage of Haru's kindness. "I can pay for my own cup."
Today, however, it was just Haru and I. The heiress had wanted to learn more about coffee, and I was a bit of a connoisseur on the subject thanks to Dad.
"But it's only natural that I pay for you today," replied Haru. "I invited you here, after all."
"No, that really isn't necessary."
"But I insist."
This went on for a little longer without us coming to an agreement. We ended up putting the conversation on pause when our coffee arrived.
Speaking of which, I can confidently say that the Dark Ivory brew lived up to its reputation. Though, learning that the beans used to brew it were collected from elephant dung was gross. When Haru suggested doing something similar with Morgana, I resisted the urge to shudder. There was no way I'd drink that coffee!
"Haru?"
To my (initial) relief, our conversation was interrupted when a man in a suit approached my friend. Haru identified him as Takakura, the new President of Okumura Foods whom she feared was plotting against her.
Takakura tried to convince Haru to let the company hold onto her shares, though I couldn't tell if he was genuinely concerned for her or vying for power. I felt wary given how uneasy he seemed to make Haru, but he did sound sincere.
"That aside, how are things going with Sugimura?" asked Takakura. "You know, these days you need to reserve a wedding hall almost a year in advance if you want a good one."
Nope. Never mind. I refuse to trust this guy.
"Yeah, you won't want to be forcibly married to a perverted asshole in a run-down wedding hall," I said sarcastically, my voice dripping with venom.
My comment was met with stunned silence. Haru brought her hands to her mouth, although I could see a broad smile peeking out of the edges.
"…I beg your pardon?" replied Takakura, finally managing to find his voice. "What do you mean, 'forcibly'?"
If I'd been calmer, maybe I would've recognized the concern in Takamura's voice. However, I'd just opened up the floodgates and unleashed the reservoir of fury that I felt over Haru's unwanted engagement.
"What else would you call an arranged marriage with a scumbag of a fiancé who Haru can't stand to be around and who sees her as nothing but a sex toy!?" I spat, standing up to glare straight into Takakura's eyes. "If I could, I'd incinerate every copy of the marriage contract and host a bloody carnival with Sugimura as the guest of honor!"
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Rank Up!
Confidant: Haru Okumura. Arcana: Empress. Rank: 5.
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As I panted, catching my breath after that outburst, Takakura turned to Haru and spoke.
"…I apologize. It seems I made a misunderstanding. I was under the impression that you were quite thrilled about the arrangement with Sugimura… That is why I was so insistent on hurrying the marriage. I wanted you to have all the support you needed… But what's this about a marriage contract?"
…Oh. Apparently, I'd severely misjudged Takakura… and spoken very harshly to him… in a very public setting…
Now that I'd calmed down a little, I could see that some people were staring at us and whispering. My face burst into flames and I sat back down, wishing I was anywhere else.
While I was consumed by embarrassment and regret, Haru and Takakura continued talking. As it turned out, the rumors surrounding the new president were completely false. Just like Haru, he wanted to turn Okumura Foods into a company loved by customers and employees alike. Takakura even offered to let her take part in the next board meeting.
(On a side note, he knew nothing about the marriage contract Sugimura had told Haru about, meaning that Sugimura had most likely made it up. Both of us were very happy to learn this.)
"W-well… um…" stuttered Haru in response to Takakura's offer.
"I'm sure you'll do great," I encouraged, having regained a bit of my composure.
"O-okay!"
Once the conversation ended and Takakura left – cryptically wishing Haru 'good luck' with me in his goodbye – Haru thanked me for being by her side and promised that she would return the favor when I needed somebody to confide in and rely on.
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Rank Up!
Confidant: Haru Okumura. Arcana: Empress. Rank: 6.
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On my way home, I realized that Haru had taken advantage of the distraction that Takakura provided to pay for my coffee. I'd have to find a way to repay her for that. Maybe treat her to some of my curry and coffee? I was getting really good at making them.
Futaba Sakura's PoV
Last time on Yu-Su-Ke… Our aspiring artist met with the Director to follow up on his membership offer, only to discover that the man was the evil head of an evil organization! The Director wanted Inari to and take on the role of a tragic, starving artist, selling his soul for money. But, thanks to Bookworm's support, Inari was able to turn the tables on the Director, challenging him to an art duel at the upcoming art tournament!
To prepare, the artist underwent a brutal training arc. Borrowing the support of his friends Bookworm, Alibaba, and Not-Cat, Inari ventured into the dreaded Mementos to acquire the final piece to completing the Millennium Painting!
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Rank Up!
Confidant: Inari Kitagawa. Arcana: Emperor. Rank: 8.
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…Or at least that was Futaba's interpretation of what Urano had told her.
"Observing your model closely is the key to portrait drawing," instructed Inari. "Take in every detail."
After he figured out what he wanted to paint, the group returned to the real world. However, rather than complete his work immediately, Inari began giving Urano an art lesson.
"Thanks again for being my model, Futaba," said the bookworm appreciatively.
Incidentally, this was Inari's second attempt to teach Urano. Previously, he'd tried to guide her as she drew Morgana in a moe style, only for the combination of Inari's lack of experience teaching and Urano's lack of skill drawing to produce a hilariously bad result.
"Better her than me…" muttered Morgana, still bitter about the experience. He'd torn the drawing to pieces, but not before the other Phantom Thieves (namely Ann) had seen it.
Because of that failure, Inari's current lesson was about drawing in the realist style, which the artist had more experience with. He was also sketching the bookworm while he taught her as a way to confirm that he wasn't forgetting to tell her anything.
"…Aaaand done!" declared Urano, putting down her pencil.
"Phew, it's finally over," sighed Futaba. The hacker had been starting to get fidgety.
"Let us see how it looks," stated Inari, who had long since finished his work.
With that, everyone gathered around to bookworm to examine (and possibly laugh at) her drawing. Although, to their surprise…
"It's… good," observed Morgana. "Not pro level work, but more than you'd expect after how awful your drawing of me was."
"Yeah," agreed Futaba, admiring the image of herself. "This is definitely an uncommon or rare-level piece of loot. You've got the goods, big sis!"
Their praise made Urano embarrassed.
"You're exaggerating," said the bookworm shyly. "This is just a simply sketch, and I only made it by following Yusuke's instructions. He's the one who deserves to be praised."
"I must disagree," interjected Inari. "Though unpolished, you certainly possess a talent for art. If you devoted you time to improving, you could become–"
"I refuse. That would cut into my reading time."
Urano's Urano-like answer and Inari's expression of shock at the blunt refusal made Futaba and Morgana snicker.
"But–"
"How would you feel if I asked you to read during your art time?"
"…Very well," conceded Yusuke. "But my offer remains open should you choose to accept it."
"Thanks," replied the bookworm, though Futaba could tell from the disinterested look in her sister's eyes that her potential as an artist would never be realized.
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Rank Up!
Confidant: Inari Kitagawa. Arcana: Emperor. Rank: 9.
Haru Okumura's PoV
Ever since Urano inadvertently cleared up the misunderstanding between Haru and Takakura, the heiress's life had become very busy. In a good way, that is.
Haru was able to formally end her engagement to Sugimura, and she even had the opportunity to give him a harsh dressing-down when he protested. Remembering the look of fear on his face made the heiress smile.
Business at Okumura Foods was also going swimmingly. She was able to convey her desires for the company's future to Takakura and the board during a meeting by giving them all cups of her homemade coffee, and – after some initial anger – they supported her vision! Haru felt comfortable stepping back and trusting them to enact the reforms.
And despite all this work, the heiress had been able to carve out time to spend with her friends (especially Urano). Haru truly felt like her bonds with all of them had deepened.
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Rank Up! Rank Up! Rank Up!
Confidant: Haru Okumura. Arcana: Empress. Rank: 9.
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"So, how does it taste?" asked Urano.
In fact, Haru was currently having a date with the bookworm (even if Urano was too oblivious to recognize that it was a date).
"It's magnificent!" answered Haru. "The curry is delicious on its own, but when you add the flavor of the coffee to it… Whoever came up with this is a culinary genius! Um, but that's not to say that the recipe alone is what's great. Your cooking and coffee-brewing skills are amazing."
The two were in Leblanc, eating curry and drinking coffee that Urano had made. The bookworm was dressed in her waitress uniform, which was adorable.
"Yeah, she's a really fast learner," commented Sojiro, proud of his daughter. "It feels like I'm looking at a younger version of me… in more ways than one." Sojiro's smile briefly became troubled before returning to normal. "Anyway, I'm heading home now. Urano, close up shop for me, will you?"
The heiress appreciated Sojiro giving her some alone time with the bookworm, even if was embarrassing to realize that he noticed Haru's true feelings. Once he left, they relocated to a couch in the 'Phantom Thieves' hideout,' where the heiress began to speak about a more personal matter.
"I'm interested in opening a small private café," shared Haru. "Everything will be home-grown, from the coffee to the salad. I want to set my own standards. It'll be a shop that people love, like Grandfather's… and like this place. What do you think?"
This was her dream for the future now that she was no longer bound by the obligations her father had placed on her. Haru hadn't told anyone else yet; she wanted Urano to be the first to know.
"I'm sure you'll succeed," replied the bookworm confidently. "And I'll make sure to stop by with a book and drink some of your coffee while I read."
It was exactly the sort of answer the heiress would expect from Urano, and it made Haru feel like her dream will actually happen. She'd need more knowledge and experience first, though. Perhaps an apprenticeship at Leblanc?
(Doing that might give Haru more chances to spend time around Urano, too.)
"Either way, I think this dream of mine will be no easy feat," admitted the heiress. "But I somehow managed to tackle my childhood dream of becoming a heroine of justice. If I act with resolve and believe in my actions, I know I'll be able to achieve anything."
Thanks to the Phantom Thieves, Haru had gained hope, confidence, and the strength to trust others.
"Honestly… just thinking about my life without you sends chills down my spine. I would have been married to a man I don't respect… and lived a horrible life. I'm glad I can be with you instead…"
Ah! Haru's cheeks reddened when she realized what she'd just admitted. Fortunately – or maybe unfortunately – Urano interpreted her words platonically.
"I'm glad too," responded the bookworm with a warm smile that sent entirely different chills through the heiress.
"As long as you're by my side… it feels like everything's going to be okay…" said Haru. "And if you're ever in trouble, I will be there for you. After all, you were there for me when I needed it. I can help you now. I have the strength to do so, I can sense it."
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I am thou, thou art I…
Thou hast turned a vow into a blood oath.
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Thy bond shall become the wings of rebellion
And break the yoke of thy heart.
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Thou hast awakened to the ultimate secret of
The Empress, granting thee infinite power…
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Rank Up!
Confidant: Haru Okumura. Arcana: Empress. Rank: 10.
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It probably went against the integrity that Haru wanted for Okumura Foods and her future café… but she took advantage of Urano's obliviousness to snuggle against the bookworm.
Yusuke Kitagawa's PoV
Yusuke's painting won the competition. More importantly, he'd finally painted something he could be satisfied with.
'Desire and Hope.'
It was his previous work, 'Desire,' but with a bright light illuminating the center. That light represented his friends and the hope they brought into his life. Without them, the artist would still be miserably giving everything he had to Madarame.
(Assuming Yusuke hadn't run out of art and given up his life instead.)
Even the Director had praised his work this time. In fact, it turned out that the man had only provoked Yusuke before to ignite his competitive spirit, having sympathized with him as a fellow victim of Madarame's.
The Director also confirmed what Yusuke had suspect – Madarame had possessed a light within himself at one point, along with some genuine love for Yusuke. It didn't change what his former mentor had done to him and the others or make Yusuke want to forgive the man, but it did give him… he supposed the word would be 'closure.'
Yusuke would embody the good that Madarame had passed onto him without letting himself be stained by desire. After all, he has his rays of hope to guide him when he gets lost and chastise him if he does wrong.
"It must have been troublesome dealing with me," Yusuke said to Urano, who had attended the competition with him. "But for some reason, I know that you wouldn't abandon me until everything was said and done. Thank you, Urano."
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Thy bond shall become the wings of rebellion
And break the yoke of thy heart.
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Thou hast awakened to the ultimate secret of
The Emperor, granting thee infinite power…
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Rank Up!
Confidant: Yusuke Kitagawa. Arcana: Empress. Rank: 10.
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"Now that I'm out of my slump, I need to make up for the time I wasn't able to paint," declared Yusuke. "For my next work, I intend to make my sketch of you into a proper painting. For the title, I felt that 'Luminary' would be appropriate."
"Bwuh!?" exclaimed Urano. "Me? And that name sounds way to grand for a simple bookworm!"
A luminary was a person who inspires and influences others. In the past, it also referred to a light-giving body like the sun. Despite her protests, it was truly a fitting name for a portrait of Urano Motosu, the Phantom Thieves of Heart's founder, leader, and ever-shining sun.
(The painting would also express the feelings Yusuke did not intend to speak. He might never fully understand the heart, but he could recognize that the bookworm's heart only loved him as a friend. So the artist would direct his emotions at his other love instead.)
"…I reiterate my promise to you," said Yusuke, growing serious. "I'll extend my assistance to you, should you ever stumble."
"Yeah," replied Urano with a nod. "And I'll do the same for you."
"Now then, shall we go? In order for me to learn more about the heart, we need to work hard in our thief business."
As Yusuke began to walk away, the bookworm spoke up once more.
"…Wait a second. Yusuke, your painting of me will have clothes, right? Right!? Yusuke!?"
The artist remained silent. His painting would most certainly depict her clothed, but it was entertaining to watch the bookworm panic a little.
(Additionally, Urano was cute when she was nervous. No wonder her younger siblings teased her despite knowing the consequences.)
AN: Hilariously, Yusuke and the P5 protagonist really did pose like the Glico man in a church. I actually wondered if Bookworm was inspired by P5, but a quick internet search revealed that P1V3 (when the pose first appeared) was released before P5.
Yusuke's advice for painting was pulled straight from a chapter of Mieruko-chan (good series, even if the early chapters are kind of fanservice-heavy). Also, in case it wasn't obvious, his 'other love' is art.
On a side note, I feel like Urano/Myne/Rozemyne has an understated talent for mastering basically anything, provided she has the time, the motivation, and a teacher; aside from physical labor, it's never a question of whether Rozemyne can learn something but whether she wants to. And, while I don't remember when it was, a Ferdinand PoV in Part 2 mentioned that no matter how difficult his education became, she was always able to complete it.
Confidants: Morgana (Magician, Rank 10), Igor (Fool, Rank 5), Sojiro Sakura (Hierophant, Rank 10), Ryuji Sakamoto (Chariot, Rank 10), Tae Takemi (Death, Rank 3), Futaba Sakura (Hermit, Rank 10), Makoto Niijima (High Priestess, Rank 10), Shinya Oda (Tower, Rank 3), Caroline and Justine (Strength, Rank 3), Toranosuke Yoshida (Sun, Rank 3), Ann Takamaki (Lovers, Rank 10), Haru Okumura (Empress, Rank 10), Sadayo Kawakami (Temperance, Rank 1), Hifumi Togo (Star, Rank 2), Chihaya Mifune (Fortune, Rank 1), Yuuki Mishima (Moon, Rank 1), Munehisa Iwai (Hanged Man, Rank 2), Goro Akechi (Justice, Rank 1), Yusuke Kitagawa (Emperor, Rank 10), Ichiko Ohya (Devil, Rank 1).