Tercra: Well, I'm glad you like the story. I did look through Makoto's confidant for later reference and I have an idea but things might change when I get to it. Gotta admit, I did not consider having Namine crossdress but it is a funny thought...
The Phantom Thieves' escape from this Palace had been much better than their previous mission. They landed back near the atelier, knowing that the Palace was gone.
''I'm so glad that's over...'' Ann exhaled in relief.
''Yeah, we pulled it off, huh?'' Ryuji grinned.
Morgana hummed happily ''All we have to do is wait to see the change of heart.''
''Well...'' Namine glanced at Yusuke, who had had been silent ever since he got on the bus. ''...are you okay?''
''...Yes. Let's be off, there's no point in staying here anymore.''
''Right, let's go.'' Ryuji agreed.
Yusuke was silent until they arrived near the station ''Thank you all...if you hadn't intervened, I wouldn't have faced the truth. And nothing would've changed it.''
''Ah, don't sweat it.'' Ryuji returned, grinning. ''It's just what we do.''
''Yes, about that...'' He started ''...I've been meaning to ask, what made you decide to form this team in the first place?''
''We stand up and fight for those who can't fight for themselves.'' Ann replied.
''We know too well what it's like to be oppressed and cornered on your own, that's why we fight to give people courage.'' Namine added. ''It will let them see things differently, hopefully even give them a chance to find the way to stand up and be strong.''
''That's a noble goal.'' He remarked. ''What will they do then? You believe this will make people happy?''
''Hard to say, but we have to try.'' Ryuji stated.
''I see...this also applies to me, I've also suffered because of others' actions.'' Yusuke closed his eyes for a moment. ''Then please allow me to join you.''
''No need to be so formal about it, dude. Way I see it, you're already a team member.'' Ryuji returned.
''I think so too, you're welcome to officially join us.'' Namine chimed in.
''Yup, having you along will give us a definite boost.'' Morgana remarked while Ann nodded.
''Excellent, I may even be able to use our experiences in the Metaverse to expand my artistic reportoire...'' Yusuke mused. ''...however, I won't take in any plans that aren't beautiful.''
''No worries.'' Ann wrapped an arm around Namine. ''After all, we're both here!''
The girl smiled sheepishly for a moment before turning back to Yusuke ''It's great that you finally have the painting.''
''Thank you, I feel the same...''
''So he said it's a self-portrait. Does that mean your mom's name is Sayuri?'' Morgana inquired.
''No, that's just another product of Madarame's idiotic staging.'' The teen's eyes falling back on the painting. ''To think this was the truth behind the painting that inspired me...I can't remember my mother's face but I can't believe I was looking at her all this time...''
Ryuji raised an eye ''You're not going to start getting all weird and sentimental now, right?''
''Ryuji!'' Ann elbowed the teen sharply. Morgana shook his head, was that necessary?
Namine frowned ''Don't say it like that!''
''What do you expect? He's tactless.'' Morgana droned. ''Anyway, I can't help but wonder...to think there was someone else acting in the Metaverse. Maybe another Persona user?''
''Can you try finding out what Madarame knows, Yusuke?'' Ryuji wondered.
''Certainly.''
''We totally nailed it, huh?''
Namine smiled at Morgana's exuberance ''Yeah, I'd say we're doing well. You got that plan down like a master thief, by the way.''
''Hehe, I guess so.'' He beamed at the reminder.
''So, if it's like Kamoshida, we have to wait at least a few days to see Madarame change, right?''
''Yup, I don't see any reason to be worried though. We did the best we could.'' The feline offered. ''You know...it's so strange how I react to the treasures and turn into a bus and all. I keep wondering, what am I...who am I?''
Sensing her companion's melancholy and knowing that there was no way they could get answers, Namine decided to try something.
''Well, you're a cat.''
Morgana bristled ''That's definitely wrong!''
''Aw, but you're our cute kitty.''
He groaned, now embarrassed and annoyed ''Would you just stop?!'' His eyes narrowed as he saw the girl giggling at the whole thing. ''Hey!''
''Try not to overthink this so much, I'm not saying it would be easy. Thing is, you're our friend and guide. You can find out your answers if you keep trying. Are you really giving up now?''
''Of course not!'' Morgana then realized she did that on purpose. She likely didn't want him dwelling on this now. ''...You know what, you're right! I wonder what kind of human I am, would Lady Ann look at me differently when I get my real form...? Maybe I'll even try going to school when I turn back...Hey, Namine, what's it like to actually experience school?''
The girl thought about how to answer that ''Well, let's see...''
The two went on talking for a bit before going to sleep. That same night, Namine found herself back in the Velvet Room...
''You have expelled one stained in vanity, you are one step closer to your rehabiliation.'' Igor remarked. ''It's a delightful thing indeed.''
''Our master is pleased, you should be honored, Inmate.'' Justine stated.
''However, that man's remarks are concerning. It seems another has made their way into the Metaverse.'' Igor went on.
''Yeah we were wondering about that...'' Namine frowned. ''...so you don't know anything about this person?''
''It is indeed beyond my knowledge.'' was his answer. ''But perhaps we may be able to find out with time. May you continue to grow stronger, Trickster. I have high hopes for you.''
The next day...
''Can you believe what those people on the train were saying?'' Morgana grimaced.
''About the guy who got caught cooking in the station while naked? It sounds really weird and honestly kind of disturbing.'' Namine shook her head.
''I bet it's some drunkard...'' Morgana noticed a pink poster nearby. It advertised some maid service. But it sounded fishy to him. Who would go for something like that?
School went by as usual and the team was just waiting for any news from Yusuke. Giving it some more time, Namine headed up to the roof with Haru...
''Soil is such a mysterious thing...'' Haru remarked as she and Namine worked on the pots. ''It nurtures the seeds and helps them grow...almost like a mother. Maybe that's why I like gardening so much.''
''I never thought about it like that. It does sound nice.'' Namine seemed intrigued, making the older girl smile. ''So how did you start this off in the first place?''
''Actually, it's only because a teacher asked me to.'' Haru admitted. ''But then...I enjoyed it. I've been taking care of those planters ever since. It's hard work, for sure but also very rewarding.''
''I can imagine. So what're you planting there?''
''Tomatoes and cucumbers. They're easy to grow and work with.'' She took to watering them.
''Say, Haru-senpai?''
''Yes?''
''Everything okay? You seemed kind of distracted when I got here. I could've sworn it sounded like you were on the phone...''
''Ah, you heard...?'' Haru picked up the watering can. ''I was, actually. That was my fiance.''
''Whoa, you're engaged?''
''As of a year ago, yes. My father set everything up.''
''Ah, so it's like that...'' Namine tilted her head a bit. ''...I hope there wasn't any trouble.''
''Oh, no it's nothing. This is something I have to do. Father knows what's best.'' Haru looked down, knowing she was avoiding the question. Namine's expression said that she was aware of that too. ''It's fine, really.'' She tried to assure. ''I'm used to the situation now.''
''Does this have to do with the reason you said you're not allowed to go out much before?''
''It's related, yes.''
''...Well, it's all the more reason to work on our plans then.'' Namine raised an eye at the girl's surprise. ''You forgot, huh? I was serious about wanting company before. You want to go some place in particular?''
Haru gave a grateful smile ''Well, actually...''
As per their earlier agreement, Ann and Namine headed to Inokashira Park to meet up with Shiho.
''No wonder this place is famous, it's beautiful.'' Namine said in admiration.
''Isn't it? We used to come by here a while back.'' Ann recalled. ''I still feel like an idiot for not noticing the crap going on in school, you're looking plenty better, Shiho.''
''You think so? Well, I've been recovering...you know, I like what you said about becoming stronger, Ann. I want that for me too...''
''Well, you can definitely do it!''
''I don't know...I could barely even believe that Kamoshida was arrested. At first, I thought it would be okay but going back to school was too much for me the other day. Hearing all those people talk about those times and looking at me that way was terrible.'' Shiho exhaled. ''If anything, I feel really weak.''
''You're not weak, Shiho. You're just hurting from those horrible circumstances.'' Namine pointed out. ''It's perfectly normal, that creep put you guys through hell. Besides, a weak person wouldn't do what you did.''
''Exactly.'' Ann agreed. ''You shouldn't ever feel like that, you're letting Kamoshida get to you.''
''Maybe...'' Shiho trailed off. ''...I'm so glad he was stopped. The Phantom Thieves really came through. I want to put those awful times behind me but I don't know how...''
''It's fine, you don't have to deal with it all on your own. We'll help you figure it out, right?'' Ann glanced at Namine, who replied positively and added.
''Just don't rush anything, it'll be fine if we keep trying.''
Shiho smiled back ''Thank you, both of you.''
Ann left to head home while Shiho and Namine went for the station. As they were passing an apartment building, they barely glimpsed two figures running ahead, before a maid came out, looking irate.
''Why those little...'' She scowled, turning her head.
That wasn't the strange part...no, it was that they recognized the maid.
Shiho was almost sure she was seeing things so she decided to ask ''Namine, is that...?''
''I think so.'' The girl was just as bewildered. Deciding to chance it, she tentatively asked.
''Kawakami-sensei?''
The maid stiffened before turning slightly, noticing the girls then. ''W-what're you two doing here?!''
''We're on our way to the station.'' Namine offered. ''Um, Sensei, what's with the...''
''Don't ask!'' She cut in, her tone proved that she felt embarrassed. ''Just...just forget about this, okay?!''
''Ah, all right...'' Shiho returned. ''...do you need any help?''
''I-I'm fine! It's just something I have to do! Just don't tell anyone, right?'' Kawakami relaxed a bit when the girls nodded.
''There's no reason we should tell. We'll keep the secret.'' Namine added.
''Good, I'll be going now.''
The girls shared a bewildered look before glancing at her retreating figure ''What was that about...?'' Namine uttered.
The next day...
Makoto was still unsure what to think of Namine. The fact that the girl had been the first to give the time of day in quite some time just added to the confusion. In the end, she decided to ask a second year who she had overheard talking about Namine with a few other girls.
''You wanna know about the transfer student?'' Makoto nodded ''Well, I didn't meet her but my friend Miki's in her class. According to her, she's totally nice. Apparently, that's how she started getting along with Takamaki and Sakamoto. Miki doesn't think she deserves the reputation she's getting. I want to meet her before making up my mind but she sounds all right.''
''I see...thank you.'' Makoto had intended to ask, as a part of her couldn't help but wonder how serious Namine had been in helping her with the other day's affair. Had it just been something on a whim or did she really care? It was looking more and more like the latter...
As it just so happened, she found the girl in question talking to Ann near their class.
''Oh, so that's what you meant by making plans.'' The blonde girl was saying. ''Well, I bet you're in for some nice surprises, there's plenty of places to visit in these parts.''
''Yeah, I figured...'' Namine was distracted when she noticed Makoto.
''What do you want?'' Ann demanded.
''Nothing in particular, though since I'm here I did think of asking if you two know anything about what happened to Kamoshida-sensei.''
''You're still at this? Well, we don't!'' Ann retorted. ''Besides, who cares? The school way better off without that bastard.''
Knowing what she did now, Makoto wasn't about to argue there ''It doesn't make sense, though. I'm not the only wondering about why he changed like this.''
''Maybe he just reached his limit and couldn't take anymore?'' Namine suggested.
The brunette shook her head ''It's just too sudden.''
''Well, he did disappear for over a week.'' She reminded. ''What happened to Shiho was too much for a lot of people. I bet he dealt with consquences. He might have been thinking things over since.''
The third year had to admit, that was a point. ''Fair enough.'' She sighed. ''Honestly...I'm definitely not getting anywhere with this. What is he making me do, especially now? I want to focus on dealing with that...''
The burgundy haired girl blinked, wondering what she meant ''Senpai?''
Makoto blinked, not realizing she had voiced that out loud. ''Ah, it's nothing. I'll be going now.''
Ann watched her leave ''Don't mind her, Namine. I bet she's still following whatever the Principal says.''
''That's not really fair, we don't know her circumstances.''
Seeing what happened the other day, Morgana was also more inclined to giving the girl a break ''There's what she said though...so he's making her investigate us.''
Namine walked in the class, noticing the pink poster near the door. ''...A maid service?''
''This thing again?'' Morgana deadpanned.
''I wonder if this has anything to with Kawakami-sensei...''
Ann followed them, frowning at the poster as Mishima arrived close, wanting to greet the girls. ''Ugh, I've seen this around the school...who the heck would go for this crap?''
''Yeah, it sounds shady and low.'' Morgana remarked.
''No kidding...looks like only perverts would be interested in this.'' Namine commented. None of the three had noticed Mishima stiffening at her words.
''...Oh hey, Mishima-kun.'' She greeted upon seeing the boy. ''What're you doing?''
''Ah, n-nothing, nothing at all. Good morning!''
After school, Namine went with Haru per the girl's invitation to a sushi restaurant...
''Mm, doesn't it just melt in your mouth? I heard they have a special preparation method here.'' Haru smiled. ''This kind of masterpiece is nearly life-changing. Although...that may be going a bit too far. It's actually limited to one serving per each type per customer.''
''Really? That seems a bit odd.'' Namine remarked.
''I thought so too at first but it actually makes sense. That way they can deliver the ideal sushi experience to as many patrons as possible.'' Haru paused to think. ''What should we have next? There is much debate on what to order when at a sushi restaurant. Actually, ordering what we like is nice...but why don't we leave it to the chef to decide today?''
''Why not? Actually, do you think they'd let us take some to go? My friend would love this." As much as she'd like to get some for her friends and Sojiro, she couldn't pay for it so it'd have to be for Morgana.
''Oh, we can ask. But that's quite nice of you.'' Haru smiled. ''I can imagine they would love this. The sushi was no more delicious than usual but this time felt more fulfilling for some reason...''
''Maybe you're the sort who likes having food with company better. I have that feeling too sometimes.''
The third year considered that ''Hmm...that could be. Namine-chan, can we come here again sometime?''
''Sure.''
She giggled ''Great, thank you for today.''
Ryuji frowned ''So Madarame doesn't know a thing, huh?''
''I'm afraid so.'' Yusuke replied. ''He seems rather...subdued. Is this normal?''
''I think it is.'' Morgana answered. ''I mean, we didn't see how the change affected Kamoshida at first. But I did hear a couple of the teachers talk about how he completely went quiet in the next few days.''
''We did pull this off after all.'' Ann stated. ''It's not really that different from last time. Anyway, Yusuke, does that mean Madarame more or less left you alone?''
''Effectively.'' He nodded. ''He did need some help every now and then but nothing really worth mentioning. He's busy with preparing for the exhibit. I've never seen him like this before.''
''Wonder when he's going to come clean though?'' Ryuji mused. ''I mean Kamoshida took like a week...''
''From what you told me it seems more dependent on the person, no? Perhaps he chose that rally to tell the most people at once.'' Yusuke offered.
''That makes sense.'' Namine agreed. ''So what did you want to talk about before?''
''I liked the suggestion about returning the paintings to their owners. I wanted to see if we could try to do it.'' He admitted. ''I talked to Natsu-san yesterday and he offered to look up our former fellow pupils. This is not likely to be possible until Madarame tells the truth but when he does, would you help me in this endeavor? We can't possibly make it up to all his victims but the least we can do is try."
''We're totally in, we agreed before remember?'' Ann reminded while the others nodded.
Yusuke smiled ''Thank you.''
''So why did we have to meet up all the way here, Ann?'' Ryuji moved things along.
''I need to see about a photo shoot.'' She answered. ''I've been asked to sub for a model who couldn't make it.''
''I bet you'll be great, Lady Ann.'' Morgana offered.
''Aww, thanks...''
''So out of curiousity, what did get you into modeling in the first place?'' Namine inquired.
''Yeah, I don't think I heard that either.'' Ryuji cocked his head.
''It just started out as a one time thing to help my parents. They're both fashion designers, I subbed for one of their models that day. They travel a lot but it makes me feel connected to them.''
''It's a little like a family project then.'' Morgana remarked.
''I guess so...I didn't mind the attention when I was a kid but now I just find it annoying sometimes...''
''Why is that?'' Yusuke looked curious.
It was Ryuji who answered ''The rumors, she's had to deal with a bunch of stupid rumors in school. Just came with a whole lotta trouble.''
''Ah, I know the feeling. Kosei can be like that too.'' He stated. ''Sadly, it's just something really common for people.''
''You got that right.'' Ann grumbled. ''Don't get me wrong, I like modeling. But I guess it has some negatives too, dealing with creeps like Kamoshida for one thing.'' She let out a breath. ''I'm a phantom thief now too and I'm glad to be one. Nothing's going to change that. That's just one reason why I want to get stronger.''
''Me too.'' Namine smiled.
''Heh, me three.'' Ryuji grinned.
''I feel the same.'' Yusuke agreed.
''That goes out with saying.'' Morgana chipped in.
Makoto sighed to herself as she went through the school's hall the following day, thinking of the pressure Kobayakawa was leaving on her due to this Phantom Thief invesitgation.
Honestly, if even the police couldn't find much about them how did he expect her to do it?
The problem was she didn't even have a choice. He had effectively blackmailed her into doing this by holding a letter of recommendation over her head. She couldn't risk anything getting into the way of ensuring her entrance into a good college, not when she wanted to be there for her sister.
While she kept wondering about them, Makoto had to admit that what they did for the school was really good. Kamoshida had been tormenting many of the students at his own leisure and the Principal just turned a blind eye in favor of Shujin's reputation (something that still angered her). With the teacher gone, it was obvious that many of his victims felt much better off. Makoto only wished she hadn't been so powerless. She had suspected something about Kamoshida, she wasn't blind after all...but she couldn't do anything about it. No one would speak up and all the adults just turned a blind eye-it felt like she was all on her own...
In all her musings, the girl reached the stairs near the roof and after a moment of thought, decided to go up.
She inhaled and exhaled, pausing in her tracks as a flash of burgundy caught her eye, attracting her attention to Namine as she was tending to the pots and plant holders.
''Hyakuya-san?'' The girl blinked and looked back at her. ''You're tending to those too?''
''My friend's responsible for this, actually. She just had to leave early so I'm doing it for her.'' She said with a shrug, having decided to put what Haru showed her to good use. ''So what're you doing here, Senpai? Are you still keeping up that investigation?''
Makoto sighed ''I would if I could...I just can't find much information about this gang. It's starting to look like even some of the student council were victims. Some of the members are acting strange but they wouldn't tell me much of anything.''
''Hah...that sounds a little too familiar.'' That threw Makoto for a loop. ''They must be too scared.''
''What do you mean?''
''Ryuji and I caught something strange about Kamoshida so we started looking into this. He was already suspicious because how the guy treated the track team and then we saw how battered and tired the volley ball team was. I told you how what happened to Shiho was too much, right? It just confirmed a lot of our suspicions. We also found out how he deliberately taunted Ryuji and broke his leg.'' Namine elaborated. ''We tried asking the students to come clean, so we can put a stop to this but not one of them agreed to help. I get that part of the reason is our reputations but we really did want to help.''
''I see...'' This really did sound like a repeat performance. ''...Yes, he did confess to setting Sakamoto-san up.'' She felt for the boy, really, Kamoshida was so starved for fame and glory that he went so far.
She couldn't help but recall how the school handled things, Kobayakawa just seemed determined to pretend that everything was peachy. As if he could do no wrong, hell, Namine saved a student but the administration wouldn't so much as thank her. Needless to say, those thoughts sent her already decreasing faith in the school system and the people responsible for it even lower...
''So you mentioned something about getting advice, how'd that work?'' Namine asked.
''I couldn't really get much. The police just dismisses the issue since there is not much to go on.'' Makoto admitted. ''That's why I hoped to find more information. My sister is a prosecutor. If I could have just found enough, I could ask for her help to spread the news out. She wouldn't take this quietly.''
''You're really forcing yourself here.'' The other girl stated. ''I get why this is troubling but you need to take it easy, even if a little. If you keep pushing further like this, it could just bring trouble.''
''I know...'' Makoto didn't like it but she was well aware of that. ''...I know...''
A while later, Namine went to meet with Yoshida for her first lesson...
''And while our society appears to be prosperous, many of our young people are quietly suffering.'' Yoshida was saying. ''They lack jobs, security, savings...the next generation will lead us into the future and yet they have no plan for how to arrive there...''
''Watch where you're going, you little shit!'' A man cried.
''You bumped into me, you old goat!'' The younger man cried.
''This isn't good...'' Yoshida frowned. ''...let's mediate.'' Namine nodded and he went on. ''Good citizens, please stop fighting! What is the point of bickering over such a trivial matter?''
''This is none of your buisness!''
''Yeah, seriously, just shut up!''
''What's with this guy?'' The two walked away.
Yoshida calmed down ''...Now if you'll please excuse me, I must return to my speech. Together we can create a bright future for the next generation.''
''Ugh, so righteous...that really annoys me.'' A spectator said. ''Enough of your arrogance, 'No-Dood Tora!'''
Yoshida froze ''Wha-?!''
The man went on ''As if anyone would actually vote for YOU! Are you planning to embezzle funds again? Or maybe criticize one of your constituents again? You criminal!''
''No...! Th-that was...all in the past...'' Yoshida stuttered as the crowd all left.
He sighed ''I've gone and done it again...''
Namine blinked twice, she knew Yoshida had a reputation but what exactly did that man mean? ''Um, what was that about?''
''Ah, that's right, you should know...'' The man exhaled. ''...a lot would agree with what the man said. Whenever someone calls me 'No-Good Tora', I panic. I went through quite an ordeal twenty years ago...'' The girl gave a quizzical look. ''...let me explain. I used to be a member of the National Diet. I was elected during the rise of the ''Kuramoto Children.'' We were backed by powerful Diet members. This was about twenty years ago. I was very inexperienced back then, both as a politician and a human being. That inexperience led me to be involved in a series of major political scandals.''
''Then what he was saying before...''
''Yes...People refer to my blunders as 'No-Good Tora's Three Strikes.' The first was being caught missing a legislative meeting to take a personal vacation. Then, I was accused of embezzling a large sum of money from the party...giving me two strikes. Finally, I called a voter an idiot at an open forum, which resulted in a scandal...and strike three.''
''Oh...um, whoa...'' Namine honestly had no idea what to say to this.
Thankfully, Yoshida wasn't expecting a response ''Yes, it's quite the pile, I know. I was out...and branded a washed up politican.'' He went on. ''You said you may consider working in politics. But do you see the man before you? Do you really want to receive my guidance?''
''It all does sound really bad, to be blunt...'' He waved her apologetic look off and motioned her to go on. ''...the point is you're trying, you haven't given up yet and that shows serious drive. Far as I'm concerned, you've got loads of conviction. You've been trying even when people gave you such a hard time. You're trying to move from the past, I won't hold it against you. You want to make something of your experiences, that's pretty good in my book.''
''Ah, thank you...I'm happy to hear that.'' He admitted, seeming surprised. ''Everyone says I have no chance to get elected however, so why come to me?''
''Well, what you said before caught my attention so I figured, why not?'' The girl returned honestly.
''I see...but I'm afraid I'm not so great that you'd be able to learn anything.'' Yoshida thought for a bit. ''The most important part about giving a good speech is believing in yourself. Perhaps one day I will believe in myself...again.'' He smiled. ''But you sure got me there. You're a strange young lady, Hyakuya-san. Very well. If learning is what you seek, then I'd be happy to instruct you. In exchange, I would like for you to continue assisting me.''
She looked amused ''Deal!''
''Excellent. Let's get to work, shall we?''
''Damn, Boss...'' One of the customers said as Namine gave him his coffee before going to see to another request. ''...how'd you land a part-timer like her?''
''It's complicated.'' Sojiro said simply.
''I'll bet.'' Another customer remarked. ''You know, you're one of the reasons I'm glad my friend told me about this place, Hyakuya-chan. I never thought someone as pretty as you would be here.''
''Ah, thanks...'' She looked a bit embarrassed, something they didn't miss.
''What, you're not used to getting compliments? Now that's a shame.''
The two tried to flirt with her playfully for a bit but she laughed it off and went back to work. After the customers left, Sojiro decided to taste-test Namine's coffee again.
''Huh, that's not bad...'' He admitted. ''...there's plenty of room for improvement.''
''I figured...''
''Seems like you're quite the hit around here.'' He couldn't help but add.
''Eh, they were just kidding anyway.'' Namine waved it off.
''Heh, I wonder...''
Namine sorted through the things in her bag before remembering something ''Oh, I got another letter. It looks like Grandma and Grandpa are somewhere in France now.''
''You don't say?'' Sojiro eyed the pictures she held up for him then. ''Come to think of it, I remember them having some argument about that here. Yuri seemed really willing to go but Itsuki could care less, he apparently doesn't get why people like it anyway.''
''Yeah, I think I heard something about that. Grandma basically summed it up in him not having a romantic bone in his body. She must pretty happy though.''
''Absolutely...that stubborn old mule could do with letting up a little. No sense in spoiling things for her.'' The fact that the girl didn't respond told him she agreed, which she meant she knew just how blunt her grandfather could be. He still considered the man a good friend but sometimes he was just unreasonable.
''I hope he would...so how would you feel and do if you were in Grandpa's place though? I remember, those ladies from the other day were also asking about your love life too...''
''Better than him, if that's what you're asking.'' He returned. ''But I'll tell you what I told them, I didn't get married because I didn't see a need to. I've got what I want.''
Well, let's stop here.
How was it? Sure I'm messing with canon a whole bunch but I hope I'm doing the characters justice. Next time would be more of the aftermath and end of the arc before Madarame's confession takes place.
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 4)
Morgana (Magician Rank 3)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 3)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 2)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 2)
Igor (Aeon Rank 2)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 3)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 2)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank 2)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 2)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 1)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 2)