Well, now it's time to kick off the second arc. Thanks to anyone who read, favorited and reviwed the story. You guys are helping keeping me going!
XepadAugustAtax: Thanks. I did try sticking to a schedule before but I don't think it would work unless I'm on holiday. So the updates are random. They just depend on my inspiration and whether or not I have time to write a chapter.
LordKirkleton: Yeah, I didn't like the exclusion either. It even kept happening after it was made abundantly clear that Morgana wasn't a cat. That's just wrong. I don't know much about writing romance but I will try. I'm still not sure who to ship Namine with, actually. I did have someone in mind when I started working on this but it'll depend on how I get things to develop. Either way it won't happen for a while.
Morgana watched Ann leave for a few moments before looking back at Namine ''Hey Namine, did Lady Ann seem a little strange to you too?''
She had noticed that as well ''No, you're right. She was kind of distracted...l'll try asking about this later.''
As they left the school, the two noticed Ryuji near the gate. He walked over, grinning ''Hey, I've been waiting! I know Ann's going for that shoot but should we try to figure our next big move out?''
''We were talking about that, actually.'' Namine took out her phone and tapped it a few times.''We tried looking a few things. Like this...'' She turned the screen around, letting the ex-athlete see a page displaying information about a Madarame Ichiryusai, a famous artist. There was a bit about a number of pieces and galleries he contributed to and his works throughout the years.
''So he's definitely our target then.'' Ryuji concluded.
Morgana gave him a look ''Don't just jump into things. That's too reckless. We decided to investigate him, remember?''
Ryuji made to respond but then a new voice spoke ''And what're you doing here?''
The teen frowned as he looked behind them ''Just hanging about, Miss Prez. It's got nothing to do with you.''
Namine followed his line of sight to find that he was watching a girl with dark brown hair that reached her chin and mahogany eyes which narrowed at Ryuji's words.
''A meeting of delinquents would be a cause for concern.''
Ryuji rolled his eyes ''You sure got some strange priorities.''
The girl's expression darkened ''What's that supposed to mean? The rumors say you were connected to what happened to Kamoshida-sensei...you were seen threatening him in the teachers' office and that made him quit.''
''Get your facts straight.'' Ryuji deadpanned. ''First of all, Namine wasn't even there. She had to go to the infirmary after she helped Suzui.''
The girl looked over at Namine questioningly ''It's true.'' She offered. ''But...why are you respectful to him even after the rally? You do know what he did by now, right?''
''T-that's...'' The girl's expression was more startled than anything. As if she hadn't even realized she was doing it.
''Oh she definitely does...'' Ryuji crossed his arms. ''...the bastard got our team disbanded, he harrassed Ann and Suzui and he even slandered Namine. Why haven't you done a thing about any of this, huh?''
Namine wondered if there was anything she could've done if even the teachers were helpless but the girl spoke up before she could voice the thought ''Try to consider my position...being forced to deal with all this horse play...''
''Horse play?!'' Ryuji's temper was rising.
Namine frowned at the girl. She had no right to treat things like this lightly ''Did you want anything else?'' The girl replied negatively after a moment and Namine turned to Ryuji. ''We'll be leaving then. Come on, Ryuji.''
The boy spoke after almost a minute ''Ann was right! She ticks me off, what the hell is her problem?''
''So who was that anyway?'' Morgana inquired.
''Nijima Makoto.'' was the answer. ''She's the student council president. Ann told me about her the other day. Even with all the trouble the students faced thanks to Kamoshida, she didn't do a single thing to help them. According to Ann, the rumors called her Kobayakawa's gopher. She hasn't done a thing before and now she shows up to bug us? Where the hell does she get off?''
Namine suddenly remembered her talk with Sae and realized that the girl was in fact the sister she had heard about before. They did actually resemble each other ''I'm more worried about her reasons behind that talk...''
''Yeah, I don't like it.'' Morgana paused. ''We should be careful; she might be on to us.''
''Enough of that,'' Ryuji started. ''Come on, I found a good place to train!''
He took them to a gym called the Protein Lovers. Once they were done, Namine and Morgana made to return to Leblance. The two soon came across a small gathering. The reason for that became clear at the sight of the familiar figure standing before this crowd. It was Yoshida Toranosuke, the politician they had heard of earlier.
He was giving another speech and once again it seemed that no one was willing to listen. The man seemed to be intent on bringing the regular trouble people face every now and then and urge people to be proactive. He was trying to raise awareness but seemingly to no avail as his audience was clearly apathetic.
Yoshida had radiated confidence but as the few listeners he had were leaving, his expression darkened for a moment before he seemed to snap himself out of it.
It was then that he happened to notice that not all of his audience had left.
''Oh, hello there, young lady. I thought you seemed familiar, you were here the other day. Has my speech caught your interest?''
Namine nodded ''I didn't catch all of this one but what you said made plenty of sense to me. I'm kind of surprised no one's listening, it's definitely worth that.''
''I'm glad to hear that, thank you.''
''It's nothing.'' Namine returned. ''I heard a bit about you, to be honest. You're really intent on seeing this election through, huh?''
''Absolutely.'' The man replied. ''I might have an idea of what you heard. I'm looking to make a complete turn around. My past failings are due to inexperience and foolishness on my part but I still believe that I can make a difference in politics. I could have left it but I couldn't bear to let things end on that note.''
''I see...that's a pretty impressive drive there, Yoshida-san. With you this serious and passionate about politics, I think you can really pull this off.''
Yoshida smiled ''Thank you very much.''
Namine happened to catch sight of the clock nearby ''Oh, it's already...Sorry, I should be going by now.''
''I understand, I hope you'll come by again.'' Yoshida admitted.
''I will.''
He couldn't help smiling, this little talk was definitely uplifting his spirits ''What a kind person. Ah, I forgot to ask her name...till next time then.''
Namine had tried to check up on Ann earlier but the girl didn't answer the texts she sent, leaving her to assume that she was busy. In the end, she decided to wait until they met up so she could get some answers. Perhaps it was nothing and the blonde had just been busy...
The answer threw that line of thought out the window.
''A stalker?!'' She and Morgana cried when their friend finished explaining herself.
Ann nodded, looking uncomfortable ''It's been going on for three days. I never saw him but it always feels like there's someone following me...''
''Why didn't you tell us before, Lady Ann?'' Morgana demanded.
''I wasn't sure.'' She admitted. ''I wanted to do something yesterday but I had the photo shoot to worry about...''
''We'll look into this today.'' Namine decided.
Ann blinked, surprised ''You don't really have to...''
''We want to.'' The girl cut in. ''It's good that nothing happened so far but how long will that last? We should get to the bottom of this.''
''Exactly!'' Morgana agreed.
The blonde smiled ''Thanks...''
''Enough!'' The teacher called. ''The period might almost be over but that doesn't mean you can start talking. You're not little kids!'' His eyes narrowed. ''Let's check how much you retained. Who do you think is the origin of term magistrate's patronage?''
A number of the students avoided his eyes and the rest were starting to quiet down. ''Honestly...Hyakuya, how about you answer?''
''Minamoto no Yoshitsune.'' The reply came a moment later.
''Good. That's right.''
Some students nearby exchanged looks as they began to whisper.
''Hey, did you know that?''
''I forgot!''
''Hyakuya-chan's smart, huh?''
Ann shook her head a bit, at least they were starting to see things differently. This wasn't exactly the first time Namine answered questions correctly. She supposed she could give their classmates a little slack, after all, few of them believed the rumors about Namine and they were actually getting along well.
It was about time.
The four Phantom Thieves got together at the end of the day and left the school.
''Really?'' Ryuji raised an eye. ''Sure you're not imagining things, Ann?''
''I just said I wasn't!'' The girl retorted. ''You really think I want to even think of something like this?''
''You really are an idiot, Ryuji! At least try to consider Lady Ann's feelings!'' Morgana chided.
''What was that, you stupid cat?! It's an honest question!''
Morgana decided to ignore the first part in favor of pressing his point in ''It's a thoughtless one. Can't you see how uncomfortable this is making her?''
''Okay, that's enough.'' Namine interjected, giving them both an annoyed look. ''You're not helping one bit. That was insensitive, Ryuji. Morgana, enough with the insults. We've got enoughst trouble to work around with here, no need for more.''
''Sorry...'' The two replied in tandem.
''Thanks for the support anyway, you guys.'' Ann smiled weakly.
''Of course, Lady Ann! I'll protect you from this creep!'' Morgana declared.
Ryuji gave him a look ''There's not much you can do like that, is there?''
''Hmph, you'll see. As if I'd let someone like this get away!''
It was a little while later that Ann stopped walking. They assumed that it was because she was at the shop she wanted to visit but then she began looking around, clearly uncomfortable ''I could have sworn I just saw...it feels like he's back...''
The four began looking around for the stalker, all careful and not wanting to miss a thing.
They didn't have to try for long as the person in question was coming up to them. Or specifically, Ann.
The girl started as someone tapped her shoulder, turning around to find a boy with dark blue hair and grey eyes watching her.
''...That's him?'' Ryuji uttered.
Ann proceeded to confirm it ''Finally! Who are you and why were you stalking me?''
''Stalking you?'' The boy blinked. ''That's absurd...''
''No, it isn't! I know you've been following me for days! What do you want?''
''It seems we have quite a misunderstanding...'' The boy cleared his throat. ''...You, you are the woman I've been looking for.'' Ann looked surprised. ''After so long, I found what I need. Please, would you...?''
The blonde began to get flustered, she had a bad idea where this was going. ''Wait, this is...''
''Hey!'' Morgana growled. He happened to be thinking along similar lines. The boy's passionate tone made this seem important. He was interested in Ann and he was following her for days...would this mean he wanted to date her? ''He can't just...!''
Ryuji's eyes widened ''Oh, no way...'' He would readily admit that Ann was hot but to think someone would walk up to her and confess like that...
What the boy said next threw them all for a loop.
''...be the model for my next painting?''
Ann blinked ''What?''
Before anyone could react, a car stopped nearby. The window dropped down, revealing a man with grey hair, clad in a bronze kimono. ''I wondered why you left suddenly. So this is where your passion leads? That's just fine!'' The car left then.
Ryuji blinked twice before he looked at the boy ''Uh, you mind explaining things now? We've got a big mess here.''
''True. Well then, my name is Kitagawa Yusuke. I'm a second year in Kosei High. That man you just saw was my teacher Madarame Ichiryusai-sensei.''
''Wait, Madarame?'' Ann's eyes widened. ''Isn't he the one who appeared on that talk show a couple of days ago? That famous artist?''
''The very same.''
She wasn't the only one who recognized that name but not for the same reason.
''That was the guy from the article Namine showed us, right?'' Ryuji whispered.
''Yeah,'' Morgana answered quietly as the girl in question seemed pensive. ''He's also the one Nakanohara's shadow told us about.''
''I apologize for the misunderstanding.'' Yusuke was telling Ann. ''Your beauty stunned me at first. I would be delighted if you would consent to being my model.''
''Er, well, that's...'' The girl wasn't sure how to answer now.
Namine decided to help ''You kind of threw her off, Kitagawa-san...''
''Yeah...'' Ann noticed his expression change. ''...erm, what's up?''
''I can't believe my luck.'' Yusuke didn't seem to be listening and they suddenly realized that he was staring at Namine with the intense look he had been giving Ann. ''To think I missed such a thing before...'' Namine gave him a quizzical look. ''...Miss, I would very much like it if you would be a model.''
''Wait, what?'' Morgana and Ryuji blurted, understandably bewildered.
Namine thought this came out of left field too ''Ah, hold on...where'd this coming from?''
''I find you quite lovely as well.'' Yusuke admitted. ''That's what I meant before. If I had seen when I did you friend, the first request would have been extended to you as well.''
''Erm, thanks...Can we think about this? It's kind of out of the blue...'' Namine could understand why he was interested in painting Ann. The girl certainly was beautiful. She didn't really think of herself as pretty so this was surprising to say the least.
''Of course.'' Yusuke took out three tickets. ''Sensei is holding an exhibit the day after tomorrow. Would it be possible to have an answer ready then?''
''Ah, I guess so...'' Ann pocketed the offered tickets then.
''Excellent, untll then.'' The boy gave a small bow and left.
''Well...that was something...'' Ryuji said at last. ''...so you want to go to this exhibit?''
''Honestly, I'm not too sure about any of this...but that might be for the best.'' Namine exhaled. ''I can't see a better way tofind out more about Madarame, can you?''
''Good point...'' He nodded. ''...so that really was the same guy, huh?''
''It has to be.'' Morgana replied. ''They were both mentioned in the article remember? Besides, his was the only name that came up when we started looking into this.''
Ann raised an eye''What're you talking about?'' Her eyes widened as they filled her in. ''Wait, you think that was the guy the shadow told us about? I guess that makes sense...I wonder if Kitagawa-kun is treated badly...''
''Let's wait and see. I think the exhibit should tell us plenty if we do things right.'' Morgana stated.
The four went to Mementos the next day, following a request Mishima pointed out about a pair of Shujin students bullying others. The four were able to defeat their shadows well enough but they learned that the bullying had started because the two were cornered by a third year student as it let them get money that would keep him off their backs.
''So they did all that because they were scared, huh?'' Ryuji remarked as they went down a street.
''It's not really that surprising. They did try to find help. You'd think the school would pitch in with something like this though.'' Morgana remarked.
The ex-athlete snorted ''Now I'd love to see that happen.''
The cat could see his point. Now that he thought about it, if the school hadn't done a thing with the Kamoshida situation it was hard to believe they would a thing now.
It was just after the four seperated to go on their own ways that Namine happened to suddenly change directions. Morgana tilted his head ''What's up? Did you change your mind and decide to shop today?''
''Wait, just a minute...''
He watched her approach a girl with light brown hair that was going to the same store and tap her shoulder. The girl started, turning back to them before her face lit up in recognition ''Hyakuya-chan!''
''Hey, Senpai.'' Namine greeted back. ''I thought I recognized you. Are you here to shop?''
''No, I was just passing by. I wanted to take a little walk while waiting for an appointment.'' Haru admitted. ''Would you come with me? I could use company.''
''Sure thing.''
The girls walked a little down the street before Haru began to speak ''This is nice. I haven't done it in a long time...''
''How come?'' Namine tilted her head a bit.
''I've been busy with obligations. I think it's just like you said when we met, it's always nice to take a moment and enjoy the little things in life. I wonder how long...'' Haru seemed to catch herself then as she quickly dismissed the statement to a curious Namine.
''Well, I'm used to taking walks every now and then but going around these parts is still new for me.''
Haru blinked ''Oh, you too?''
''Yeah, I moved here when I transferred. I'm still taking time to look around the city when I can.''
''Ah, I assumed you just came from a nearby school.'' She noticed Morgana then. ''Oh, what a cute kitty!''
''That's Morgana.'' Namine stopped to let her pet the cat for a few moments before they continued the walk. ''Things sure changed at school, huh?''
''Yes, I keep wondering how no one noticed just how dismal the situation there was becoming thanks to Kamoshida.'' Haru frowned a bit. ''I heard that the principal is intent on finding out who the Phantom Thieves were but it's as if he hasn't done anything to help the students.''
''Oh, he hasn't. I can tell you that.'' Namine wasn't about hide her disgust at this. Kobayakawa just kept trying to salvage the school's reputation, ignoring how Kamoshida was able to cause this much damage because he knowingly covered for him.
Haru looked appalled when the girl finished explaining ''That's terrible! Whatever reputation Kamoshida brought doesn't justify allowing him run free.'' The two Phantom Thieves certainly agreed with that. ''It isn't as if Kamoshida was all that covert with his intentions...''
Namine blinked ''Okumura-senpai, don't tell me he...''
''He did come on to me before.'' The girl admitted. ''I think he just left it left at that because of father's influence. Something just seemed off about him, I tried asking but no one really helped. The ones who would tell me anything just kept saying how much of a great person he was. Then that rally came...''
''Yeah, that totally flipped things about huh?''
''Absolutely.'' Haru agreed. She paused to glance at her watch. ''Ah...I should be going back by now.''
''Well, all right...'' Namine had a thought ''Hey, Senpai? How about we hang out when you get another break? I'm still taking time to check the area out but I'm always up for more company.''
The older girl beamed ''I'd love that. Thank you, Hyakuya-chan.''
''Ah, just call me Namine.''
''Then please call me by name as well.''
I am thou, thou art I
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
That breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Empress Arcana,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and a new power...
Soon it was the day of the exhibit, he four Phantom Thieves met near the station before they headed to the gallery.
''This is going to be great!'' Ryuji was enthusiastic. ''I was waiting to find a good target, it's brilliant!'' He looked at the girls. ''So are you going to be models after all?''
''Well...it's probably for the best.'' Ann stated, Namine nodded to this. ''We still need to get more information about Madarame. This looks like a really good chance, actually.''
''I think it is too.'' Morgana remarked. ''We'll get a close look at this guy in action. You should ask Kitagawa too, he might have some useful info.''
''Wow...'' Ryuji's eyes widened as he took in the big crowd at the gallery. ''...I know he's supposed to be famous and all but damn...''
Morgana could understand his surprise ''...Yeah, the place looks pretty full already.''
After making their way through, the four were able to enter. The exhibit was clearly buzzing with activity. Some people chatted happily while others took time to admire the various pieces. There a few reporters at the other side of the hall that were looking for Madarame.
It wasn't long before Yusuke found the quartet. ''You came!'' He exclaimed. Then something strange happened, his tone and expression darkened as he went on. ''You actually came...''
''Ah yeah, that was the plan.'' Ann reminded.
Namine seemed confused. If she didn't know better, she could've sworn the teen was disappointed...but that couldn't be, right?
Ryuji blinked, pausing as he was about to head off with Morgana ''Uh, you all right there?''
''Ah, of course.'' Yusuke returned, shaking himself. ''I'll show the both of you around then.''
As he led the girls away, Ryuji noticed Morgana slipping out nearby. ''Hey, I'll go see if I can find Madarame.''
''Sounds good, I'll try to keep a sharp eye out too. This is an excellent chance to discover more about our potential target, let's do this right.''
''Gotcha.'' With that, the two split up.
''Wow...it's all impressive...'' Namine said honestly as they took in the sight of the paintings. ''...I've heard about how there are different styles of art but seeing all those together is really something.''
''I'll say.'' Ann agreed. ''No wonder Madarame's so famous.''
''Yes...'' Yusuke gave a small smile. ''...Sensei certainly worked for his reputation. His talent speaks for itself. He's special.'' He noticed Ann stop then. ''Is something wrong?''
''Ah, no...'' She glanced back at him before looking at the painting that had her attention. ''...I just thought...it's strange. Some of the paintings I saw gave off this good feeling, like the artist was expressing their happiness. This one...it just seems to radiate anger.''
Namine looked at the painting in question as she thought this over. She felt that her friend was right, compared to the ones they had just seen, this was a little strange. It was surprising to learn that a person who was happy enough to make such bright and colorful pieces could paint something that seemed so dark. ''Yeah...I'm kind of curious now. Can you tell us anything about this piece, Kitagawa-san?''
''That one...'' He hesitated. ''...it's...''
''Kitagawa-san?''
''Ah, there you are, Yusuke.'' Madarame walked over to the three. ''Oh, if it isn't the girls from yesterday. Are you having fun?''
''Yeah...it's really amazing.'' Ann replied.. ''It's...kind of hard to explain how to feel after all those paintings. Right?'' Namine nodded.
Madarame chuckled ''The fact that you feel something just by looking at them is more han enough. It is what we aim for after all. I have to say, I can see why you two caught my student's eye. I imagine you'll have lovely paintings, Yusuke. Excuse me...'' He left.
''Well, he seems nice.'' Ann started.
''Ah yes, he is.'' Yusuke returned.
The blonde made to ask about the painting but he was already beginning to lead them away, saying that he was eager to show them another piece...
''Bubbles in a spring?'' Morgana echoed.
''Yup.'' He and Ryuji were outside the gallery, having been forced to leave due to the crowd's commotion. The blond had found Madarame in time to overhear a part of his interview. ''Apparently, his inspiration just pours out. Something's just really fishy here. You know he actually lives in a shack?''
The cat gave him an odd look ''Seriously?''
''That's what those reporters said. It sounds like a real mess. The guy who asked couldn't believe that lived there but Madarame said something about finding beauty in simplicity. I think...'' Ryuji trailed off. ''...it's fishy, right? A super famous artist like him living in a run down shack?''
''Totally...'' Morgana agreed. ''...it's surprising. I guess we'll have to wait and see the place for ourselves to be sure...''
''There you are!'' Ann's voice brought attention to her as she and Namine arrived.
''Oh hey, did you give Kitagawa an answer?'' Ryuji inquired.
''Yeah, we're going over tomorrow.'' Namine informed. ''It really seems like our best chance to figure this out.''
''Do you think maybe it's a different person?'' Ann suggested.
''I don't see it, Lady Ann. Remember not to judge, there's still plenty we don't know.'' Morgana pointed out. ''I think you made the right call. It'll be a good chance to see what Yusuke knows.''
''There's no reason it couldn't be him. Check this out...'' Ryuji flipped his phone screen over to let them that he was opening the Phan-Site. There was a post that read
'A famous japanese artist is stealing the works of his disciples, and TV's only showing his public face.'
''Does this mean he's mistreating his students and stealing their work?'' Morgana wondered. ''Ryuji, who wrote this?''
''The site lists the post as anonymous.''
''This is looking like way too much of a coincidence...'' Namine crossed her arms. ''...let's be careful about this. We don't want to bring any suspicions on us. Kitagwa-san apparently lives with Madarame. I'm still not sure about the modeling but if it helps us pull this off...''
''Don't worry, worse comes to worse, we'll all be there to stop any trouble.'' Morgana reminded.
''Right. Well then, till tomorrow.''
It didn't take the four long to agree that the reporters were right to wonder about Madarame's living quarters. Looking at the place now, it was hard not to.
Ryuji realized just how accurate describing it as a shack was ''Er, guys? Does he really live here?''
''We came to the address Kitagawa told Namine and Lady Ann, remember?'' Morgana returned. ''...Though I really can't blame you for being skeptic.''
''It is hard to believe.'' Ann agreed. ''Whoa, it really was a shack...''
Namine rung the bell. Yusuke's voice came through moments later. ''Sorry, Sensei isn't here.''
''It's Takamaki and Hyakuya.'' Ann informed.
Yusuke started ''I'll be right there!''
Indeed, the door quickly opened. Yusuke smiled as his eyes fell on the girls ''I'm glad you came.'' His expression changed once he noticed Ryuji. ''You're here as well?''
''S'up?'' Ryuji ignored his less than friendly tone. ''Just wanted to make sure there wouldn't be any trouble.''
''And just what does that mean?''
The teen looked unimpressed. Hey, he would've probably come even if the circumstances were different. He had mostly been messing around with Ann before but he wouldn't leave her or Namine with someone suspicious. ''Dude, you remember how this whole thing started right? We thought you were a stalker! I think being a little worried about my friends would make sense after that.''
''...Fair point.'' Yusuke conceded. ''I should have thought my actions through. Very well, come on in.''
He took the group to a small room which had a canvas and other art supplies with a few seats nearby.
''So, this is a first...you want us to do something in particular?'' Ann inquired.
''No, just sitting over there is fine.'' Yusuke returned. ''I'd like to start with you first, please.''
''All right...''
Silence reigned as Yusuke got to work. Though they did try to get his attention a few times, he seemed so focused on the painting that he probably didn't even hear them. Eventually, he relaxed a little and spoke ''I'm sorry, Takamaki-san, this isn't working. I don't know what's wrong with me...perhaps it's best to try with Hyakuya-san next.''
Ann took another seat to let Namine take her place ''I've been wondering...how do you guys live in a place like this?''
''Oh, it's just fine.'' Yusuke returned. ''I know it seems rundown but Sensei believes that it's best to live in simplicity to stimulate our artistic sense.''
''About that...'' Ryuji started. ''...we heard some strange rumors about your teacher. That it's believed that he steals artworks and abuses his students.'' Morgana was the first to note how Yusuke's hand twitched at that. ''What do you think? Is it true?''
''Of course not.'' Yusuke's expression hardened. ''The very idea is absurd. That's all hearsay from people jealous of Sensei's talent.''
Ryuji wasn't so easily convinced ''Yeah? Well...''
''I'm telling you it's all lies.'' The artist insisted. ''As if Sensei would do such despicable things. He took me in after my mother died and helped raise me. Would a person who abuses others do such a thing?''
Namine had the idle thought that this may be similar to the situation with Kamoshida. The students had been abused then but they didn't want to talk about it. She kicked herself for not thinking of this before as given that Madarame had effectively raised Yusuke, this may be more complicated than it seemed.
''You may have a point...'' Ryuji gave her a look but she held up a hand, silently asking him to wait. ''...we're sorry. It was just worrying news.'' Yusuke gave a slight nod. ''One thing I don't get-how come it's just the two of you here? I mean, the exhibit proves that there were plenty more students.''
''That's because...'' He faltered.
''Yusuke.'' The voice made the group look over to the door to find Madarame there. ''Don't let that trouble you. It's nothing I haven't heard before. It's natural for them to worried considering the situation. I know I can't please everybody but I do hope you won't let the rumors completely influence you. Regardless, I'm grateful you came to help my student.''
''Ah, it's okay...'' Namine returned, looking surprised.
''Y-yeah, we were just curious.'' Ann offered.
''That's understandable. Everything all right, Yusuke?'' Madarame went on.
''Just fine, Sensei.'' The teen returned. ''I was about to start with Hyakuya-san but then I saw the time. My apologies, I'll come help you with the other paintings.''
''No need to hurry, see to our young guests here first.''
''Very well.'' With that said, the man left and Yusuke looked back at the group. ''I'm sorry but something came up, I almost didn't notice the time. Since you graciously agreed to my request, I'll show you something.''
He took out his phone and tapped it a few times before turning it around for them to the screen. ''This is the painting that inspired me to become an artist.''
The picture depicted a woman with a dark hair dressed elegantly and looking down, the lower part was veiled in lavender mist. It was an impressive piece, the aritst's talent was clear for all to see.
Namine's eyes widened ''Wow...''
''I don't know much about art but even I can tell this is impressive.'' Ryuji remarked while Ann looked on in awe.
''Isn't it?'' Yusuke looked pleased at their reactions. ''This is Sayuri, his first painting. This is the kind of beauty I wish to pursue. When I saw Hyakuya-san and Takamaki-san, I felt the same way.''
Ann blinked while Namine appeared surprised ''Because of us?''
''Yes. That's why I wanted you to be my models.'' He returned. ''That being said, I know you call came this way but I have to go, something came up. Let's do this another day.'' Yusuke left.
Ann looked back at the shack as the four of them were walking away from it ''Maybe it's a different Madarame we should be looking for...''
''Yeah, they seem like good people. I thought we had something big.'' Ryuji admitted.
Morgana was more skeptic ''I don't know...he was the only one we could find much information about, remember? It adds up.''
''Oh come on, Morgana.'' Ann remarked. ''That's not fair. Didn't you see? He was really nice.''
''I'm still not convinced, Lady Ann. People can easily put on masks to hide themselves.''
''You're just too stubborn.''
''We barely know the guy, remember? How do we know this wasn't an act?'' Morgana countered, silencing any protests they might have had.
''...There's one way to find out for sure.'' Namine pointed out, raising her phone as she activated the Metaverse navigator.
''Yeah, that works!'' Ann concurred. ''We'll settle this now.''
''Right so his name and...the shack?'' Namine glanced at Morgana uncertainly, seeing the cat nod then.
''We still need the third one though.'' He reminded.
''How do we figure that?'' Ryuji asked.
''It's like with Kamoshida, remember? He thought of Shujin as his castle. We just have to figure out what Madarame thinks of that shack.'' Morgana returned. ''I know we'll have to guess but how about we narrow it down to things related to art for now?''
''All right, something like a...gallery?'' Ann offered, but nothing happened.
''Okay, what about a prison?'' Ryuji added, again, nothing happened.
''Art room then?'' Morgana offered. Another failure.
Namine looked pensive ''Related to art...well, how about a museum?''
''Candidate found. Beginning Navigation.'' came the monotone response.
''He really does have a Palace...'' Panther started.
''Yup, it's just like Joker said, the nav cleared things up. That means we're definitely missing something here.'' Mona offered. ''It's like I said. He could easily have been trying to fool us.''
''Aw man, what's going on here?'' Skull asked.
''Let's worry about that later. For now, let's see what this place is about.'' Joker told them.
''Right!''
Well, let's stop here. I'll begin with the palace exploration next time.
So how was it? I might have changed a couple of things but I hope it was good.
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 3)
Morgana (Magician Rank 2)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 2)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 1)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 1)
Igor (Aeon Rank 1)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 1)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 1)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 1)