A couple of days passed and it seemed the team's thief activities would be non-existent as they had yet to find another target.
After school, Ann went with Namine, Shiho and Morgana hung out...
''You've seen this too?'' An amused Shiho wondered with Ann clearly enthusiastic to take them to a crepe shop.
Namine nodded ''She ate this crazy amount of sweets the other day like it was nothing.''
''Hey, I'm right here, you know!'' Ann huffed.
Shiho and Namine merely gave cheeky smiles as they responded.
''Well you know, it's true, Ann.''
''Very, very true.''
''Oh, great, you're double-teaming me now?'' She gave a mock glare but the girls merely giggled in return and Ann couldn't keep a straight face soon either.
Even Morgana couldn't help snickering at this, though they all stopped as Ann's phone rang.
''Ahh, now?!'' Ann paused. ''Oh...okay.'' She looked at the others. ''Sorry, this was from my agency. One of the models didn't show for a magazine shoot they were doing. They're looking to wrap soon, so I'm gonna head over now to fill in...It's pretty close though. Wanna come with?''
The blonde seemed animated as the idea occured to her ''Actually, let's just go! I'll race you there!''
''Hey, wait!''
Namine looked around curiously at all the cameras and equipment as they entered the area ''Whoa...''
Shiho half-smiled, already used to this from previous visits to similar areas with her best friend ''It's a bit much, right?'' The other girl nodded. ''I felt that way too-it's actually interesting to see it all come together...''
One of the camera men paused when he saw them, recognition settling on his face when his eyes landed on Shiho. The man proceeded to greet her jovially with Shiho politely returning the gesture and introducing Namine.
''Well, it's always good to meet more of Ann-chan's friends. Personally, I don't think she has enough. It's a shame, she's such a nice girl...'' The cameraman stated. ''...I'm sure she's glad you're both here to support her.''
The girls smiled as Namine responded ''We'll do our best.''
Morgana looked around, wondering where Ann was. He soon found her facing another girl that looked a little older than her.
''Ann-senpai! I'm soo pumped to get to work with you today!'' A brunette in a blue dress beamed. ''After I saw you in last year's show, I just...'' She sniffed. ''...oh, I think I'm gonna cry...''
Now she had met some of her fans before but this one seemed a bit...much. ''U-um, it really wasn't a big deal...That fashion show was tiny...''
The brunette smiled ''By the way, I'm Mika. And please, no honorifics. I might be older but you have loads more experience, Ann-senpai.''
''All right, M-Mika...'' She laughed weakly ''...it feels a little weird saying it like that...Oh, and you don't need to use senpai with me. A-anyway, uh...it's nice to meet you?''
''Likewise, Ann-chan.'' She giggled. ''You're so nice. Hey, can you teach me how to be a better model? You know, your everyday routines, stretches...''
Ann had no idea what she meant ''Routines? You mean like...singing in the shower...? Well, I run every few days too.'' If one counted their work in the Metaverse.
Namine and Shiho exchanged looks behind her, suddenly suspecting trouble.
''O-oh, is that all you do...? Then, what kinda stuff do you eat?'' Mika wondered. ''I've been looking all over for a place to import some organic green almonds. Plus I'm getting suuuper tired of eating quinoa. Do I need to like, boil it in hard water or something?''
''Um, almonds? I only ever eat those when they're covered in chocolate...'' Ann admitted. ''...And hard water? Isn't it kinda tough to boil rice...?''
''This is getting kind of awkward.'' Morgana muttered to Namine, who nodded as both noted Mika's mood darkening.
''...Do you weigh yourself?'' Mika inquired.
''Oh, of course! Once a year for the examinations at school.''
''So...'' Mika looked down. ''...you're gonna keep it all a secret for me, huh? I get it...I guess it's hard trusting someone you just met...''
''Wait, she didn't say that.'' Shiho offered.
''Y-yeah! I just don't really think about that stuff...!'' Ann added.
Her best friend frowned ''Ann, that's...''
''It has nothing to do with not trusting you. It's more like modeling is a hobby for me.'' Ann went on.
Mika's expression confirmed their worst doubts ''...What?'' Then, to their surprise, she started crying. ''Ann-senpai, that's so horrible! What do you mean you don't care about modeling for these guys?''
The staff looked on with surprise.
''...You said that, Ann-chan?''
The blonde's eyes widened ''W-what...no, I...?''
''That's not it!'' Shiho exclaimed.
''Right, she's just making it all up.'' Namine gave Mika a glare. ''Stop it. Ann's motives are different from yours but that doesn't mean she doesn't care.''
''It's just a big joke to her though! She doesn't care and she doesn't respect everyone and their efforts.'' Mika insisted.
''Ann's not like that!'' Shiho retorted.
''You tell her!'' Morgana agreed.
''Wrong again, Mika. I do respect everyone's efforts!'' Ann snapped. ''You just can't accept that I'm doing this for a different reason but that's your problem!''
''They're all so mean!'' Mika wailed. ''Have you seen how they treated me? I thought you had more class than that, Ann-senpai, to be with those girls...''
Ann was never going to take that lying down ''Hey, say what you want about me but leave my friends out of this!''
''...Okay that's enough.'' The photographer called. ''Both of you stop, we'll take this some other time.''
Ann sighed, joining her friends ''...Thanks for that.''
''Well, we couldn't just leave you around her like that.'' Namine stated.
Shiho nodded ''It's the least we can do. You'd do the same if it was the other way around.'' She frowned a bit at Mika's retreating figure. ''I really wish you would stay away from her, Ann, I don't see you getting along at all.''
''Yeah, she's just so close-minded.'' Morgana added.
''Tell me about it. I guess it is better to avoid her now...'' She exhaled ''...anyway, come on, we should go. I'll treat you to some food after all this. How about we backtrack to that shop later?''
It was as the group parted ways with Shiho that Ryuji called Ann, telling her to check out the news as Madarame was making a speech.
As it so happened, the call couldn't have come at a better time...
''What's up with that old geezer?'' A passerby asked.
''Is he crying...?'' Another wondered.
He certainly was. Madarame's change was clear as day as he looked nothing like he had before
''I have committed crimes that are unbecoming of an artist...Plainly put...I, um...plagiarized work...I-I tainted this...this country's art world...and...even 'Sayuri...!'' He began sobbing. ''...H-how could I...I possibly apologize.. to everyone...for...for what I've done...Aaah!''
''He's crying way too much...''
''And that was from the urgent apology conference by Madarame that took place just a moment ago...'' The newscaster stated. ''...After reporting to the association, Madarame has agree to the police's request to turn himself in.''
''Wasn't he on TV the other day?''
The news was going on ''On top of charges of abuse to his pupils, Madarame is under suspicion of claming their works as his own. Some doubt the validity that his maiden work 'Sayuri' was stolen, believing it was used for fraud. This large scale criminal act has caused a great shock to the art world, and...''
''That old man's done for.''
''After the conference, Madarame was taken to a police hospital for interrogation due to his age. However, initial psych evaluations state that he is mentally sound and likely responsible for his actions.'' The newscaster continued and the observers talked amongst themselves.
''There's no need to be nice to an old geezer like that.''
''Why'd he spill the beans himself? Doesn't that seem weird?''
''Also, a group calling themselves the Phantom Thieves posted a dubious note at Madarame's exhibit. The police will investigate their relation this case but for now, did not identiy them as suspects.''
''Phantom Thieves? Do these bandits have somethin' to do with that old geezer's apology?''
''Ohh, I've heard of them beofre: they supposedly steal evil hearts. It's why the culprits apologize.''
''Wait, what? Steal hearts? That's impossible though.''
''But I feel like I saw somethin' about that one too. They sent a calling card for real...''
With this, the girls and Morgana hurried to meet Ryuji and Yusuke, finding them both at the station...
''It's finally over...'' A huge breath left Yusuke. ''...what a relief. I'd like to thank you all again for this.''
''Ah, don't sweat it.'' Ryuji grinned while the girls smiled at the artist.
''Yeah, it's just what we do.'' Morgana stated. ''What're you going to do now?''
''Well, I'm leaving the shack.'' Yusuke returned. ''I'm not quite certain of the next best step, I did move my things to the dorms but I had a thought. I'm going to move to Ann's home, it would be a far more suitable environment to paint.''
As their friends stared, dumbfounded Ryuji and Ann reacted rather appropriately to this declaration.
''What?!''
''Excuse me?!''
''I brought some sweets, I hope your parents will like them.'' Yusuke finished.
''Hold it right there!'' Ann frowned. ''That's not going to happen, no way!''
''What? But...I bought them with all my money...''
The rest watched with exasperation. It really shouldn't be this much of a surprise, who did this kind of thing anyway?
''Why did you even think that would work?'' Ryuji deadpanned.
''Well, how about you stay with us, Yusuke?'' Morgana suggested.
Namine nodded ''Remember what I told you at the Palace?''
Yusuke blinked, suddenly recalling the girl promising to help him ''Ah...that's right, thank you.''
The next day...
''Morning!'' Ryuji greeted cheerfully at the sight of his friends sitting at one of the lunch tables. ''It's real nice hearin' of what went down. I think my charisma as a thief is leaking out or somethin', everyone starin' at me.''
''What charisma?'' Like the girls, Morgana knew exactly why he was drawing attention. He could only wonder why Ryuji didn't see the reason.
Ann rolled her eyes ''They're only staring because you stand out, we're supposed to wear summer uniforms starting today.''
He cringed ''Aw, crap...I forgot...''
''Well, you're right about things being different. Even Yusuke's dealing with that over in Kosei.'' Namine remarked.
''It was bound to be a huge hit with Madarame's reputation.'' Morgana reasoned.
''C'mon, shouldn't you all be happier? We're hitting it big time!'' Ryuji stated.
''It's called discretion. No one wants to stand out.''
''Yeah, but I guess it is nice to hear...'' Ann trailed off, noticing how Namine seemed not to care one bit.
Morgana picked up on it too but he decided to ask later ''Just try to take it easy, let's just go with something else now.''
Ann played along ''Well then how about that trip? I chose the TV station, how about you guys?''
''Same here, it sounds interesting.'' Ryuji replied. ''We've got to do that shadowing thing for future jobs...''
''Honestly, either of them is fine with me but we might as well go together. Let's just see what comes of this...'' Namine trailed off.
''Just give it your best shot and don't bring any attention your way.'' Morgana advised.
''If I work that hard , it would stand out.'' Ryuji countered. ''...This could actually be pretty good though...we could meet some actresses.''
''Of course you'd say something like that.'' Ann deadpanned.
Morgana sighed ''I hope this works out well...''
''So, anyway, I think I found a request...'' Ann started to say before a new voice called out.
''There you are!'' Mishima walked over.
''Oh hey Mishima, what's up?'' Ryuji cocked his head.
''I was wondering if you guys heard the news.'' The boy admitted. ''There's a notice the school posted earlier. It says to go talk to the student council president if you have any info on the Phantom Thieves.''
Ryuji stared ''For real?''
Namine had been speaking to the council president more recently and it was why she felt something was odd. Makoto hadn't even mentioned anything about the Phantom thieves lately. Her focus seemed to be in the swindling situation. What was going on?
Ann's eyes narrowed in irritation as she muttered ''Her again...of course, that's all she cares about.''
Mishima seemed to notice this because he tried to change the subject ''So the activities seem like they're going great, huh?''
''You bet! It'll just keep getting better, we're looking to find some more requests but just wait and see.'' Ryuji returned.
''That's good, I'm sure it'll be a relief.''
Namine stayed behind in school again at the library. It had become something of a recurrent habit for her since she felt the need to reflect on her studies and catch up on what she missed due to her situation.
''That's the transfer student?''
''What's she doing here?''
''Eh, she's been coming here a bunch of times.''
''That's weird...why?''
''She's nothing like what people say, I think she's actually serious about her studies.''
''Yeah, just try to cut her some slack. She really is trying...''
Morgana rolled her eyes ''Can't they give it a rest? It's nice that some people are actually seeing the truth though. Anyway Namine, you think we should keep the gang investigation to ourselves?''
''Until we have anything more concrete to go on, yeah.'' She replied. ''Or at least, if we can figure out how to explain things to them without any trouble. If Nijima-senpai held up this long, she'll probably want to see it through to the end.''
''Oh..now that I think about it, that's probably for the best, considering how Ryuji and Lady Ann seem to get so worked up with her...''
It was a while after that they left, stopping by the student council's office to see Makoto.
''Oh, Hyakuya-san, another late study session?''
''You know about that? Oh, never mind...of course you would, the rumors go around like crazy here.'' The other girl nodded and she continued. ''So, what's up, Senpai? Did things change for the better? You figure something out after the other day?''
''No. I hate to say it but barely...'' Makoto sighed. ''...the students are all scared. It's almost like what you told me about the Kamoshida situation.''
Namine decided to ask something that had been on her mind since this morning "What's with that weird announcement about the thieves? Was that really your idea?"
Annoyance colored Makoto's tone "I had no idea it was even there until an hour ago, I suspect the administration set this up."
''...Is the principal actually doing anything to help? Honestly previous experience left with me with completely no faith in his abilities.''
''That's...'' She hesitated, not wanting to say anything negative now. ''...well, I can't say I don't understand your skepticism. I just wish there was some way to end this...I can't stand the thought of letting this gang run off unchecked...''
Namine felt for the girl, she was clearly rather pressured. Expectations were pressing hard on her and things just weren't getting better. ''...Hey, for what it's worth, my offer's still open. I've...got something to deal with today but starting tomorrow I'm good to keep working with you.''
Makoto was surprised ''Why?''
''Well, does there have to be a reason? I just felt like it.''
''...Thank you. I'll get back to you on that.''
The Phantom Thieves headed to Mementos. Fox was admittedly amazed by the place and Mona gave him a brief rundown about Mementos. As the feline expected, their rise in popularity allowed them to go further in towards a new area...
They had decided to finish two jobs today. One being about the shop manager which Mishima mentioned and the other a request they heard about a few days ago, one warning about a sadistic girl who was tormenting a student.
''If only I brought my supplies...'' Fox lamented.
''Are you seriously thinking about painting now?'' Panther wondered.
''I cannot help it, this place is interesting. So how do we know where to find the target?''
''They're in a seperate location. I can sense them once we're close. It shouldn't be too far now.'' Mona replied.
It wasn't long before their path was obstructed by shadows. Knowing what to do, Skull warned Fox to be ready for battle as Joker had Mona ram one of the Shadows for an ambush.
The enemies turned out to be an Apsaras, a Kodama and two Bicorns. The Kodama moved fast to hit Skull with Psio before turning towards Panther for a next attack.
The girl moved first though, flogging it with her whip before summoning Carmen to cast Maragi. Mona and Zorro went next, following up with wind magic for more damage and finishing the shadow off.
One of the Bicorns tackled Fox while the other tried to stun Joker with an electric attack. The girl slashed it back, sending it reeling while Skull bashed the other one hard on the head. Fox took the opportunity to summon Goemon, who struck the three with a Vicious Strike, finishing the Bicorns off. Joker went on to shoot the Apsaras down, which allowed her to enter a negotiation and convince it to become one her Personas.
''It feels like we've gotten stronger.'' Skull grinned.
''We definitely are, all our experiences are just helping us get better.'' Mona pointed out. ''Let's keep going.''
After a few more battles along the way, Mona was able to sense the location of their first target, Shimizu. The group healed up before going to face her.
''There, that's the shadow of the girl names Shimizu...'' Mona's eyes narrowed.
''She seems like a real sadist...'' Skull remarked.
''She's calling someone her slave and ordering him around, right?'' Panther frowned.
''In a way, she's denying his existence. I certainly wouldn't want to be a victim of that.'' Fox stated.
''Let's go talk to her.'' Panther added.
''So you're the pigs who wrote that Calling Card online? Why do I deserve this, hmm?'' The shadow demanded.
''It's 'cause you made some guy your slave! That's all kinds of wrong there.'' Skull returned.
''That's what he wants! He worships me more than any god, you know!''
''Uh...I don't know where to begin to explain how you're wrong...'' Panther sighed.
The Shadow wasn't listening ''I beat him and I hurt him, and he sees it as a sign of our love and friendship! He's so happy!''
''None of this is right...'' Joker frowned.
''Don't waste your time, Joker. She's completely delusional.'' Fox scoffed.
''I'll never give up M-moto! He belongs to me! Being my slave is what makes him happy! I'll make you learn your place. You'll be licking my shoes, peasants!''
She transformed into a Yaksini, who glowered down at them. She was then surrounded by an intense aura.
Mona's eyes widened ''Everyone, look out! She's charging up power!''
''It won't do you any good!'' The enemy cried before hitting them all with multiple fast strikes, which seemed to be particularly on Mona and Joker, downing them. Cackling, the shadow charged at them for another attack but Skull intervened.
''Hit it, Captain!'' His Persona flew out, using Rampage on command to throw the shadow back.
Fox attacked next, using ice magic to nail the shadow's side before running up and slashing her, leaving her to grow more angry. She kicked him back and proceeded to cast what they recognized as Tarukaja before striking Panther next.
''You're not going to beat me!''
Joker pulled herself up and summoned Arsene ''Media!''
The party was surrounded in glowing green light that healed them, Mona soon followed suit with the same spell.
''It's time we fired back, Zorro!''
Joker decided to switch Personas once she saw Mona using wind magic ''High Pixie, Garu!''
The two wind spells combined, becoming stronger and blowing the shadow back.
''Nice work, you guys!'' Panther kept the assault by striking the Shadow a few times with her whip, giving Fox a good chance for another attack while Joker shot the Shadow twice, knocking one of its weapons away.
This gave Skull enough time to cast a Tarukaja on himself before he summoned Captain Kidd to rampage again. This served as the final blow and the Shadow fell.
''No, no, no...No! I don't want to lose him. He's mine. He's mine, isn't he?''
''You're still talking like that?'' Mona frowned a bit.
''...Why don't you try talking to him?'' Joker suggested. ''Just have a heart to heart and see what happens. At this rate, he'll really hate you.''
The Shadow looked down ''I could never stand that...''
''Why did you start treating him like that in the first place?'' asked Panther.
''He just kept going along with it. I misunderstood and thought I could do anything I wanted...Actually, I...wanted to be more than friends with him.''
''More than friends? You mean like a boyfriend?!'' Panther exclaimed.
''Yes, I had a crush on him, but then I got possessive. Those feelings went out of control...''
''At least you realize it now.'' Joker offered.
''Yeah, be careful that you don't make things worse for yourself than they already are.'' Panther added.
''...Okay...'' She disappeared.
''Ah, the treasure has shown itself!'' Mona chirped. His eyes widened ''...Whoa, is that a whip sword?''
''Somehow, I have a feeling it's rather fitting.'' Fox stated.
Given what the enemy was like, Mona could only agree ''...Same here, Fox, same here...''
The team went back on their way to deal with Odo, the shop manager, who was on a lower level...
''Hey, I just remembered...'' Mona started. ''...Fox, what do you think about talking to a reporter? We ran into one before and she was looking to write an article about Madarame.''
''I see...'' The teen thought it over. ''...I wouldn't mind but I would prefer to keep anonymity.''
''I don't think it'd be a problem.'' Panther offered.
''So how's the paintings issue going?'' Skull wondered.
''Natsu-san told me he was going to talk to the police today.'' Fox replied. ''We would like to make sure the rightful owners of the paintings receive them so I think they would understand. We intend to do whatever we can to help Madarame's other victims, no matter how little. He's leaving some for me in the Kosei Dorm to take care of later.''
''That's good-whoa!'' The blond exclaimed as he saw more Shadows appearing. This time there were a Jack-O-Lantern, an Agathion, a Mandrake and an Archangel.
Fox attacked the Mandrake but it dodged just in time, tackling him in counter. The Jack-O-Lantern aimed a Dazzler attack at Panther, who tried to strike it down, only to be surprised when she missed.
''Ugh...what's going on? It's like I can't focus...'' She cried out as the Agathion lunged at her before it began to attack again.
Joker cut it down before looking at Panther and handing her medicine to help herself.
''Thanks...that's better. Let's go Carmen, Maragi!''
The blast finished the Mandrake, allowing Panther to knock the nearby Agathion to the ground before Joker took it out.
Recalling the explanation he heard on the workings of elemental magic, Fox aimed a Bufu spell at the Jack-O-Lantern, causing a lot of damage and easily finishing the shadow off.
Skull attacked the Archangel, who dodges and blasts him with Makouha. He retaliated by having Captain Kidd cast Mazio, which it barely dodged in time.
Seeing that speed gave Joker an idea. ''Arsene! Eiha!''
As she guessed, due to her Persona's natural speed the curse spell landed easily, causing a lot of damage as another of the Shadows' weaknesses became clear. Skull hit its side with his pipe before he followed Joker's lead and held the shadow at gun point. This gives the girl ample opportunity to have the Archangel become one of her masks.
''That's that...'' She let out a breath. ''...Mona, which way do we go?''
''We're not too far, actually. I think it's just at the end of this tunnel.''
''There he is...'' Skull's eyes narrowed at the sight of Shadow Odo.
''What an unpleasant smile.'' Fox remarked.
''It's his customer service smile, right? Yet behind the scenes, he's extorting his subordinates.'' Mona recalled.
''It might get worse if we don't do something.'' Joker offered. ''Let's go!''
''Welcome, welcome! How may I help you, ladies and gents of the Phantom Thieves?'' The shadow asked.
''Why'd you blackmail your own employees? That's not normal!'' Skull exclaimed.
Shadow Odo was unfazed ''My shop is a directly managed store of a large chain. Since I'm highly competent, I'm in charge. I don't need strangers complaining about how I use the shop's money. Part-time workers are the property of the ship. Thus, they are mine to us as I will.''
''Property?! Who do you think you are?!'' Panther demanded.
The Shadow scowled ''I get it now, you pretend to be heroes. But the truth is, you're all criminals. I'm gonna kill you!''
In moments, he transformed into a Setanta shadow and snarled ''I'll show you brats your place!''
He jumped up high and dived, hitting Skull a second later. Smirking, he made to raise his weapon but Fox attacked then, forcing the shadow back.
''You little...''
''Jack Frost!''
The enemy looked up, seeing the snow man spirit appear before it cast Rakunda on command. He laughed it off ''What was that supposed to be?''
Fox and Mona attacked next, slashing him in tandem for greater damage. Joker kept up the offensive and summoned Nue.
''Skull Cracker!'' She ordered, the shadow was sent crashing due to the powerful blow.
Shadow Odo stood and raised a shield that seemed to disappear almost at once. Panther had Carmen try to burn it only for the shield to negate that. It soon becomes clear that it was a one time thing as the girl's whip nails it mark next.
He tried to dive at Skull again but the teen dodged and bashed him in the gut, leaving it winded. Skull then hit it on the head before calling for a Mazio from his Persona.
Grunting, the Shadow tries to shake the damage off and cast another shield. Knowing what was up, Mona acted first.
''Zorro, Lucky Punch!'' As he gathered, the shield blocked the move. ''Now, Magaru!''
''Carmen, Maragi!'' Panther called.
The spells combined and got more powerful, leaving the shadow reeling. Fox shot it down and it was wide open, finishing it with one last slash.
''I'm sorry! Am I really not worthy of being the store manager...?'' The Shadow cried once it turned back to a human.
''Is it really a surprise? A good manager wouldn't do this.'' Joker remarked.
''Yeah...I remember now...Employees aren't property, they're humans...And yet, I took advantage of them. I-I've done bad things...! I don't know how I can ever make up for this.''
''You've done quite a bit more, haven't you? It'd be best if you just confessed to everything.'' Fox chipped in. The Shadow disappeared and the treasure turned out be...
''Chinese sweets?'' Panther blinked.
Fox tilted his head a little ''I see. So he was lining his own pockets.''
''Well, anyway, we're done now.'' Joker reminded. ''Let's go back.''
As they all made to head to their homes, Ryuji had an idea...
''Hey, we're doin' pretty good, right? It's all the more reason to have a celebration party!''
''Sounds good!'' Ann agreed.
''Yeah, it'd be Yusuke's welcome party too...'' Namine agreed. ''...but what should we do?''
They stopped to think for a bit before Ann had an idea ''Hey, what do you think about having a hotpot?''
''I like it!'' Morgana stated.
''So do I, that seems quite nice.'' Yusuke added. ''But where would we do this?''
''Namine, you think we can do it in the attic?'' Morgana suggested.
''Hmm, sounds all right but I'll talk to Boss first.''
''Gotcha, we'll leave it to you then.'' Ryuji returned.
''Huh, I guess it'd make sense you want to have a little party with you all being friends with that artist now. Sure, go ahead.'' Sojiro had heard about Yusuke from her before so this wasn't all that surprising. ''The stuff they were saying about that fake artist was nasty. He must be glad to be free of him.''
''You have no idea.'' Namine affirmed. ''I kind of wanted to talk to you about that too, Yusuke left the shack but he isn't sure about staying in the dorms. Is it okay if I let him stay here?''
''You're asking me?''
The girl raised an eye ''Well yeah, why not? You own the place and you're my guardian. I figure it's only right.''
''You're almost too nice sometimes...I still can't figure out how you got stuck with that reputation...''
Namine gave him a flat look ''I'm sorry do you want me to be snarky and sarcastic? Careful what you wish for.''
''Hey, I'm not complaining. Just making a statement.'' He smirked. ''Seriously though, it's fine by me. Good that you're looking out for a friend.''
She smiled ''Thanks...''
Sojiro remembered something that had left him puzzled from the news ''Is it actually true that Madarame and his students lived in a shack?''
''He only pretended to live in it. Anyway here, have a look...'' She showed him an online picture of the place.
The barista stared, wondering how anyone could live in that dump ''...You're kidding, right?''
''Yeah, that was the general reaction, really.'' She put her phone away. ''Oh and before I forget, I'm not sure when we'll start but we're going to help Yusuke give the paintings Madarame stole to the owners we can find. He wants to help Madarame's other victims however he can and we want to be there for them too.''
''Oh?'' Sojiro looked mildly impressed. ''That's pretty kind of you kids. Good luck.''
Okay, let's stop here.
What do you think? I hope it was good. I'm not so good with fight scenes so it takes a while for me to decide on those. As much as I think the wild card thing is cool, having to decide Namine's Personas is kind of hard...
Anyway, this basically wraps up the Madarame arc. Next chapter marks the start of the Kaneshiro arc. As I think would be clear, it won't be like in canon but you'll see what I have in store eventually.
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 4)
Morgana (Magician Rank 3)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 4)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 2)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 3)
Igor (Aeon Rank 2)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 2)
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)