The Phantom Thieves met up in Shibuya the next day, finally finding a name to their target.
''I really don't like coming here...'' Ryuji held back a shudder with the thought of the previous night. ''...that could have been really, really bad...''
''What're you talking about?''
Stiffening at Ann's words, he immediately shook his head ''Nothing, nothing...'' But his glare at the snickering Morgana didn't go unmissed ''...so what about the Palace?''
Yusuke was working with the Nav ''Well, we do have the name but there's still the distortion and the location.''
''How about a money bath?'' Ann offered.
Morgana blinked ''Money bath?''
''Yeah, I heard it's this new fad that some celebrities do...''
''...It's no good.'' Yusuke informed.
''Then how about a bank?'' Morgana suggested.
This one was a success. Yusuke continued to type on ''...I've tried a couple of places but none were right. That being said, we never did get enough information to learn a set place.''
''That's true...'' Morgana agreed and they all started to think.
''Well...'' Namine broke the ensuing silence. ''...from the looks of things, both his gangs and his targets spread all over Shibuya. Why don't you try that?''
Yusuke proceeded to do so, starting when the Nav activated a moment later...
Skull blinked ''It worked? So his Palace really is all over Shibuya...How'd you know, Joker?''
''I just thought it made sense.''
The alternate Shibuya wasn't so different in appearance from the real one. But anyone could immediately tell something was up from the atmosphere, it was oddly eerie and unnerving.
Mona looked around ''So...where is the Palace?''
''Hey, look at that!'' Panther pointed to their left, where an ATM was walking down the street.
''That's not the only one.'' Fox stepped aside so they could have a closer look. And indeed there were quite a few more ATMs out and about.
''Most of them look kinda beat up too...'' Skull took note of the damage on the machines. ''...let's go take a closer look!''
The group of five approached one ATM, hearing it cry out ''No, no more! Please I don't have any more money!''
''What? Hey, hold on! We're not...'' But it was already running away.
A second ATM nearby fell, while a third spoke ''No, I have to get more...I don't want to wind up like that guy!''
''Mona, do you know what this means?'' Fox inquired.
The feline thief was scowling ''Yeah...this is how Kaneshiro views the people. Those ATMs represent his victims...and if they can't pay, well...''
Needless to say, the image became grisly once they understood.
''He just gets rid of them.'' Panther finished, frowning. ''We've got to do something about this...''
''Easier than done though. There's no sign of the Palace.'' Mona reminded them of the current problem.
''Yeah, how big is this place anyway? We landed right near the other Palaces before.'' Skull recalled.
''Now that you mention it...'' Panther trailed off.
'About that...' Goemon started. '...this one seems complicated.'
'That might be an understatement. All of you, look up.' Arsene added.
Fox and Joker were left confused by their Personas' words, but they did as Arsene said and suddenly, things made sense.
''What the...?''
They had, in fact, landed near the Palace. The complication was that it was floating far above them.
''Mona, can you change into a helicopter or something?'' Panther inquired.
''No...just a car.'' He admitted, slumping.
''Oh, come on, you've gotta have some kind of secret weapon.'' Skull crossed his arms.
''What do you take me for, some super gadget that looks like a cat?!'' Mona retorted.
The teen grunted in irritation ''Then what do we do?''
''...It seems that this is as far as we can go.'' Fox remarked.
Joker nodded ''Let's go back for now. We need to think on this, there has to be a way we can reach it.''
It was as they were on their way to Leblanc that Namine came across a little girl who seemed to be on the verge of tears...
''Hey, are you okay?''
The little girl looked up weakly to find Namine staring at her ''N-no...I don't know where my daddy is...''
''Oh, um it's okay, I can help you look.''
''R-really?'' She started coughing, leaving the girl alarmed.
Namine moved her to a bench ''Okay, sit here. Tell me what your dad looks like.''
''Right...''
''Thanks, we lost track of each other in that crowd.'' The man admitted.
''Oh, don't worry, I just couldn't leave her there.'' Namine stated.
''That's kind of you. I hate to bother you again but would you by any chance know where Takemi-sensei's clinic is?''
''And you just decided to bring them to me?'' Takemi raised an eye.
''Well they were asking about you.'' Namine admitted, glancing at the man and daughter.
''Yes. I was afraid your clinic wouldn't be opened.'' The man explained. ''This young lady tried to help my daughter. Please I need to have her examined.''
The young woman exhaled ''...So a patient with an emergency, come on.''
''So why come here? Aren't you under the care of another hospital?'' Takemi wondered.
''I've heard rumors about this place. I'd like for you to examine her.'' The father explained. ''She was diagnosed with bronchitis, but the medicine she was given hasn't been working at all. She has a fever that won't go away, and she's losing weight because she's not hungry...''
''A young girl losing weight is definitely not good...You should go to a proper hospital. I can't provide a thorough examination here.'' Takemi stated, frowning.
''But Takemi-sensei, they already went to a hospital. Can't you please try?'' Namine requested.
''She's right, we've been going a university hospital in East Shinjuku! But all they tell us is that it's persistent bronchitis!'' The man exclaimed.
Takemi stilled ''...A university hospital in East Shinjuku?''
He nodded ''The doctor there performs exams like he's on an assembly line. I think he's famous or something...''
''A famous doctor, huh...?'' Her eyes narrowed with a flicker of something Namine couldn't understand. ''I'm just a general practicioner out here in the sticks. As you can see, I don't even have any staff.''
''W-wait! I've heard that there's a medicine that can only be acquired here...! Please! I'll pay you! Please just examine her!''
''H-hold on...''
The girl started to cough ''Doctor...my chest...really hurts...''
''Can't you do something?'' Namine inquired. ''Nothing's worse than not really trying, right? She really needs some help. You could at least give them a second opinion.''
Takemi sighed, faced with all those arguments, she didn't know what else to do ''...Fine.''
''If your vision blurry? How about your throat, does it hurt...?'' Takemi examined the girl. ''Hm. No signs of swelling. Are you sure you've told me everything about her symptoms and treatments you've so far?''
''Yes, I'm sure!'' The father returned.
''Hmm...'' Takemi dialled a number. ''...Hello, Uehara-san? Is Dr. Schweitzer there? There's something I'd like to ask him about a case that was in last month's medical journal.'' She nodded a few times before hanging up. ''I see. Guess the ones in stock will have to do...'' The doctor looked at Namine. ''There's a shelf by the reception desk. Bring the contents of the second drawer into the exam room.''
The girl was a bit surprised but considering the situation, she quickly went with it.
''Also, bring the beaker with red label in the fridge, a towel, wash basin and measuring spoon.'' Takemi added.
''Right!''
The man looked amazed, his daughter was already looking much better ''T-thank you so much! I didn't expect her to recover so quickly!''
''It was a very unique strain of an infectious disease. It can't be detected by conventional means.'' Takemi offered. ''I temporarily suppressed the symptoms. We'll make adjustments as her condition improves. Okay, that'll be a million yen for today.''
''Wait, what?'' Morgana verbalized the general surprise.
''A million?! Th-that's outrageous! You're completely taking advantage of...'' The father took a moment to calm down. ''I mean...all right, I agreed to pay. You don't...take credit cards...do you?'' He paused. ''I'll go withdraw some cash right now!''
''Huh? Wait, you're actually going to pay?'' Takemi asked. When the man nodded she continued. ''By the way, that famous doctor you mentioned earlier...was it Medical Chief of Staff, Oyamada?''
'Isn't that...' Namine remebered the man from the other day.
''Yes...are you familiar with him?''
''...I knew it.'' Takemi muttered. ''In that case, I'll make this free of charge.''
He blinked ''F-free?!''
''...You sure seem happy.'' Namine remarked.
''Well, healing his patient without permission feels good.'' She admitted.
''By the way...is she your assistant? She seems awfully young.'' The man remarked.
''No, she's another patient. Her case is much more different. Though...now that you mention it, I might just have her working as an assistant sometime.''
The girl spoke before Namine could respond ''Um, Doctor...Can I go to school now?''
''Not for a while. You need to start eating and regain your strength first. Can you do that for me?''
''Yes, thank you Doctor!'' The girl beamed.
Takemi's expression softened ''Don't mention it...''
''Thank you for the help too, Onee-chan.'' The girl added.
''You're welcome. Glad to see you're doing better..'' Namine patted her head, missing Takemi watching her with a small smile.
A while later, Namine and Morgana were back in the attic...
Morgana sighed, letting his head fall on the bed's pillow. After all the trouble they went through, they still couldn't get to the Palace. Now what were they supposed to do?
He knew the others counted on him for Metaverse knowledge and he hated that he couldn't do anything about this.
That line of thought did remind him of something "Hey, Namine?" She turned to him "About what you said back at the TV station...sorry, for all what I say about Ryuji being careless, I think I wound up acting like that. I knew you had reservations about our work and I just disregarded that, the power was starting to go to my head. But the more I thought about it, the more I agree with you. Our power can be dangerous and it's not something to be taken lightly. If we wind up getting careless, we could risk causing a shutdown or a breakdown like that murderer...though I really hope that never happens, we still need to be careful."
"It's nothing to be sorry for, I'm glad you understand. That was all I really wanted to say. So long as we understand how awful it is, we'll never be like that. We just have to stay true to those beliefs and we'll be fine."
"You bet!"
Both started as her phone buzzed, finding a couple of texts from Ohya.
Apparently, their questions had roused her curiosity and she began to look for more info about Kaneshiro. It all lead her to understand how dangerous the man was, which was why she wanted to warn Namine not to get involved.
''So the police can't get a hold of him, huh? He really does sound like a mafia boss...'' Morgana trailed off. ''...no wonder nothing's been done about him for this long.''
Namine had a thought ''If the Palace is part of Kaneshiro's cognition, is it floating because of his ego?''
''Bingo, he's gotten away with so much that he doesn't think anyone can touch him.'' The cat affirmed. ''The thing is, that leaves back at square one.''
''Yeah...'' Namine let out a breath ''...anyway, for now, we should get some rest. We'll try to think more on this tomorrow.''
He nodded ''Sounds good.''
As they agreed, the team got together after school. The problem was, they were no closer to figuring things out now than they were yesterday. It didn't seem like there was anyway around this...
''We ain't got nothin...'' Ryuji sighed.
''Are we out of luck?'' Ann wondered.
''It's no fair his Palace is up in the sky...'' Morgana frowned.
''If only we could contaact the real Kaneshiro...'' Yusuke mused.
''But that's even more dangerous, right? How...'' Ann stopped, her eyes narrowing. This made the others follow her line of sight to see Makoto walking over. ''What do you want?''
''Nothing in particular, I just saw you all here together.''
''That so?'' Ryuji seemed unimpressed.
''You seem to be having quite a bit of trouble. Didn't your idea work, Hyakuya-san?'' Makoto asked.
The girl bit her lip ''It did but that lead us to another problem...''
''Hold on, Namine.'' Ann cut in. ''So you're here to check up on us? You may be the student council president but when it comes to what we do, you're useless.''
Makoto's eyes widened ''Useless...?''
She remembered a talk with her sister from the time she tried to ask for her advice...
'Right now, you're useless to me.'
''To be frank, yes.'' Yusuke agreed.
''Guys, come on, that's not fair...'' Namine started.
''I get that it's in your nature to be kind but she doesn't deserve it.'' Ann stated. ''Just stay on your high horse and watch. Or do you wanna eavesdrop, since you're so good at it?''
''...So you wish to get in contact with Kaneshiro. That is what you were just discussing, isn't it? It semed you just needed to find out where he is.''
''And if we do?'' Ann retorted.
''You don't have to answer her!'' Ryuji exclaimed.
''Just stop it!'' Namine cried.
No matter what she tried, it always came back to nothing...
Well, enough was enough.
Makoto's eyes narrowed ''Fine, I'll help you meet Kaneshiro.''
She walked away, deciding to take matters into her own. If that was the way it had to be then so be it.
''...What exactly is she planning?'' Yusuke wondeed.
''She had a dead serious look in her eye.'' Ryuji remarked.
''Does this mean she has an idea as to where Kaneshiro may be?'' Namine wondered.
''I highly doubt that.'' Ann returned.
The other girl sighed ''Would you stop giving her such a hard time? Sure, she made mistakes before but she's trying to make up for that. She's going through all this trouble because she wants to help the students. What's wrong with giving her a chance?''
Ann's expression darkened while the others shared glances, taking her words in.
''I didn't like her stern face...'' Morgana said at last. ''...we better go after her."
Yusuke looked around the square ''There are way too many people here!''
''We're never gonna find her!'' Ryuji frowned.
Moments later, Namine's phone buzzed and she answered.
''Hello? It's me...Nijima Makoto. Just stay on the phone and listen. Make sure you record the call as well.''
''Who is it?'' Ann inquired.
Namine put the phone on the speaker, letting them hear the following.
'Do you guys know Kaneshiro?'
'What?!' A gruff voice asked.
''Oh, no...'' Namine muttered.
''That idiot, what is she doin'...?'' Ryuji cringed.
'I heard I could find someone named Kaneshiro if I came to Central Street.'
''She's being too rash!'' Yusuke exclaimed.
''Let's go, they're at Central Street!'' Namine stated.
Due to their previous investigations, Makoto was quickly able to find some of Kaneshiro's flunkies...
One of the men glowered at her ''What're you getting at? What do you know about the boss?''
''He's blackmailing the students of Shujin Academy, is he not?'' Makoto demanded. ''Tell him if he doesn't want me to talk to the police, he'd better agree to meet with me.''
The man gave her a look ''...You got a death wish or somethin'?''
Another one walked over ''He says he'll meetcha, get in.''
''You better be taking me to Kaneshiro.'' Makoto glared.
''He said get the fuck in!'' The man barked, pushing her in.
''Namine, is she still on?'' asked Ann.
Nodding, the girl raised her phone, just as someone spoke ...
'Contact Kaneshiro-san, tell him we've got a good one.'
'Where are we going?' asked Makoto.
'I guess we can't do a thing to if she Kaneshiro-san's customer.' Another voice said.
''Hey, I asked a question here! Where are we going on?' Makoto demanded.
''We gotta go after them!'' Ann exclaimed.
''Okay, I've got the license plate. My sketching skills have come in handy.'' Yusuke stated.
Ann hailed a taxi ''All right, let's get in!''
Makoto soon found herself face to face with a smug looking fat man in a fancy suit, sitting on a couch. A woman had her arms around him, learning against his shoulder, looking pleased with herself. He was Kaneshiro Junya.
''So...you're seriously the student council president of Shujin. You know what happens to anyone who snaps at me, don't you?'' Kaneshiro smirked at Makoto, who was being held down by one of his men. ''So whose number is this? Your boyfriend?''
''What in the world...?!'' Ann's eyes widened as they all hurried in.
''Who the fuck are you?!'' A goon demanded.
''Senpai!'' Namine exclaimed.
''What the hell'd you do to her?!'' Ryuji snapped.
''Ohh, I get it. You got followed, you dumb shits!'' Kaneshiro scowled. He opened his briefcase and looked at the woman next to him. ''That bag you say the other day, the crocodile one, how much was it?''
''About three million?'' She squealed as he handed her money. ''For reals?!''
''Better thank those guys.'' Kaneshiro shrugged.
''What?'' Ryuji frowned.
''I'm really pissed off right now. Can you tell? You know how spending money relieves stress? It's you goddamn brats sniffing around like dogs and bargin in here like you own the joint...!'' Kaneshiro smirked. ''See this empty space? I'm so miffed that there's now a three million yen gap here. It pisses me off even more if I don't fill it up. I'm a perfectionist. So, good luck.''
''What is that supposed to mean?'' Yusuke demanded. Kaneshiro responded by taking a picture of them.
''Come on, you all so tense. I think I'll call it...Debauchery of Minors at a Club. So can I sent this to your school?
Makoto gasped. ''That's...''
''Oh damn, I got booze and cigs in the shot! Maybe some drugs too? Ahh, this is so hilarious. I feed on dumbshits like you. Understand, pretty little student council president? Now listen up, run your mouth to the police and I'll break all of you, starting with your families. I want to give you the usual month, but well you have such a large group here...Three weeks, bring me three million yen by then, no less. Summer bonuses are around the corner, you know? It'd be easy if you beg your mommies and daddies.''
''You little greedy...'' Ann hissed.
Kaneshiro harrumphed ''Get out of my sight. I'm about to have some fun.''
She scowled ''What? We won't just...''
''We can't do this now, we have to help Nijima-senpai.'' Namine cut in.
The group stopped once they were a safe distance away from the hideout. Makoto turned to face the others ''I'm so sorry. This is all my fault, I was a fool.''
''Sorry, but I have to agree. You had to know this was a terrible idea.'' Yusuke added.
''Come on, it's fine. What's done is done.'' Ryuji told him.
''I thought I could be useful...'' Makoto started. ''...but in the end, I'm just going to cause more problems for my sister.''
''Your sister?'' Ann echoed. Where did that come from?
''She has a great job and she's been taking care of me for years...I'm just a kid, so there's nothing I can do but be a burden on her.''
''So that's why you rushed off like that...''
''That's a little too much, Senpai. I doubt she really thinks of you that way.'' Namine remarked.
Makoto shook her head ''It's just the truth...Besides, I've done terrible things by you guys too.'' This left them confused but she soon explained. ''I did suspect something was wrong about Kamoshida. But I realized in my heart that there was nothing I could do. There's also you, Hyakuya-san...When you offered to help me, I couldn't help but feel suspicious...that's why I wanted to learn more about you. At first, I thought it was a trick. You were the only one who tried to see the truth, to do something about it...the only one who gave me the time of day and yet look what I do. I really am trash...''
''...People who are trash wouldn't call themselves that.'' Ann assured.
Namine nodded ''It's okay, I don't hold any of that against you. You were just trying to do what you could.''
''I understand how you feel...I remember being like that. Feeling powerless to help Shiho when Kamoshida was in the school...'' Ann admitted. ''...in a way, we were like you. We just convinced ourselves that there was nothing we could do. Namine and Ryuji were the only ones doing something back then. It's only because my friends helped that I could fight too.''
''Takamaki-san...'' Makoto trailed off, surprised. Her expression turned firm. ''...I'll find some way to gather the money, you don't have to play along to Kaneshiro's wishes.''
''That's not possible. We're all targeted now.'' Yusuke pointed out.
''Yeah, if only that damn bank wasn't so far away...'' Ryuji muttered.
Those statements got Morgana thinking ''Guys! I think Makoto might have actually helped us. Let's take her to the Metaverse.''
''What?'' Ann was taken back.
''We're targeted now, so we should be able to reach the bank! We're customers now.''
''I see...so that's why it was out of reach?'' Yusuke tilted his head.
Makoto was confused ''What's going on? Why are you talking to the cat?''
''She went this far, let's show her the truth.'' Morgana told Namine.
The girl nodded back and looked at their senior ''Come on, Nijima-senpai, you wanted to learn about us. We want to show you just how the Phantom Thieves operate. What do you say?''
''...All right, I'm with you. Let's go.''
They went to an alley and accessed the Metaverse, leaving Makoto shocked as she took in the sight of the alternate Shibuya...
''What is all this?!'' She turned to the others, her eyes widening as she saw how they changed. ''A fox?''
''I am Fox.'' He returned.
''Good, so you made it.'' Mona walked over, leaving her stunned.
Makoto recoiled ''A monster cat?!''
He froze at this but Panther helpfully explained ''That's Morgana, the cat who was in Namine's bag. This just happens when we come here, right?''
''Lady Ann!'' Mona beamed, shedding tears. He felt Joker patting his head and turned to smile at her.
''That voice...Takamaki-san?'' Makoto blinked. ''...Where are we?''
''It's a world of cognition.'' Joker explained. ''This is an alternate reality, here desires become real. Things like what we're seeing here happen when they run out of control.''
This made the older girl remember something ''Wait, so that calling card...that's what you meant by stealing desires? You changed Kamoshida's cognition so he'd apologize?''
Mona was impressed ''Right, in a sense, this is a realm where we can see what's inside people's hearts.''
''I see...that would explain the money.'' She glanced up, seeing the floating bills going to the bank. ''A world of cognition...so then if you take care of those desires, you can impact them directly. We see how Kaneshiro perceives things...So that's how your other targets changed so much and even turned themselves in. It's like removing a tumor from a sick person.''
''Whoa, you do get it...'' Panther trailed off while the others seemed mildly surprised.
''Isn't she more awesome than you?'' Skull asked Mona.
''W-we're about the same level!''
Makoto looked at Mona curiously ''Then...what exactly are you?''
''It's a long story-I'm trapped in this form for the time being. I'll explain later.''
She nodded. ''So one of those ATMs represents me?''
''Most likely.'' Fox replied. ''If we succeed, we'll be able to change Kaneshiro's heart and even have him turn himself in.''
''We can do it.'' Skull stated.
''Yeah, once we do, we'll be able to encourage more people in need.'' Panther added.
''Encourage people...?'' Makoto closed her eyes for a moment. The words bringing back old memories. ''That's like what my father used to say.''
''Your old man?'' Skull gave her a curious look.
She mentally shook herself ''Oh, it's nothing. You want to go that bank, right? Let's be on our way.''
As it turned out, Mona was right and they were easily able to access the bank without much trouble. It looked like the guards were going to attack but once they heard Makoto was Kaneshiro's guest, they soon let them go right in. They were insistent on only allowing the team to the reception room, which was their current destination...
''Don't let your guard down. We could run into enemies easily.'' Mona warned Makoto.
''I see...it's all right though, I know quite a bit of aikido so I can defend myself.''
''Well, you can't stand up to shadows with just martial arts but I guess it's better than nothing...'' The cat trailed off, doubtful.
The reception room had a few guards about along with Kaneshiro's Shadow, who had clearly been waiting for them. He looked a lot like the one in the real world, except with purple skin.
''I can't imagine you've come to make a payment already...'' He smirked.
''We're not paying you a thing, bastard! We're going to take you down!'' Skull called.
''Oh? What can a few brats and a cat even do?'' He seemed unfazed. ''I'll let that slide, it doesn't matter in the long run. Running a bank is hard, you know. I'm only collecting my dues.''
''Yeah, right!'' Mona scoffed.
''I suggest you start collecting that three million soon.'' Shadow Kaneshiro told Makoto. ''It shouldn't be too hard. Just give out to some people if you know what I mean...that sexy beauty in red and that charming beauty in in black can help you.''
''That's not going to happen.'' Joker stated.
''Yeah, you disgusting pig!'' Panther snapped.
''Are you sure? I know about her older sister after all.'' He stated, to their surprise. ''Don't underestimate my information network. She's such a cutie...and an impressive career. She really could have made it far if she didn't have such an idiot for a little sister. I'll sell her once I get tired of her.''
''Stop it! My sister has nothing to do with!'' Makoto would never let him get at Sae-no way.
''Oh, she has everything to do with this. Do we have a deal? Then go on, get to work.'' Shadow Kaneshiro said dismissively. ''You'll earn three million quickly, of course your lives and everything along with it will be ruined!''
The girl grit her teeth as he cackled ''Why you...''
''This is all your fault for getting involved. You should just endure it and do as you're told.''
That was enough to push Makoto over the limit ''Shut up...Shut your damn mouth, you money grubbing asshole!''
Everyone stared at her in surprise but she was only glaring at the Shadow, then hearing a voice speak...
'Have you decided to treat the path of strife...?' A new, yet somehow familiar voice called to her.
Makoto had no idea what was going on but her answer was ready. There was no way she'd back down now. ''Yes, come to me.''
'Very well. Let us proceed with our contract at once'
She was assaulted by a terrible pain in her head as her eyes glowed golden. She started struggling, almost falling to her knees as the voice continued.
'I am thou, thou art I...You have finally found your own justice...Please, never lose sight of it again' Makoto stood, a dark grey mask forming on her face 'This memorable day marks your graduation from your false self...' Makoto was seized with the urge to pull it off so she did just that, creating a well of power.
''What the hell?!'' Shadow Kaneshiro exclaimed.
Joker perked up ''She has one...''
In a flash of light, Makoto was riding on glowing motorcycle...
''A Persona...?'' Fox uttered.
''No, dude...that's a bike...'' Skull's jaw dropped.
''I can feel it. Myself...Me!'' Makoto looked forward. ''Gun it!'' She charged forward, sending all the shadows flying back with a spin of her Persona.
''Wow, nice!'' Panther exclaimed.
''Wh-what is this?!'' Mona wondered. ''I've never seen anything like it!''
Shadow Kaneshiro tried to shake his fear off, turning to leave before calling out ''You better earn your keep, or else I'll kill you!''
''I will not lose heart again, ever.'' Makoto vowed. ''Let's go full speed, non stop, Johanna!''
The Shadows surrounded the group of five as their boss escaped. Makoto was unfazed ''Don't get all cocky just because I normally behave myself, I am DONE playing nice! Johanna, full throttle!''
She stuck two of the Oni guards up front with a Mafrei, leaving them reeling. Picking up on the weakness, Joker summoned Arsene and had him follow with his own nuclear spell.
The Sui-ki shadow floated up and cast Mabufu on Mona while two of the Oni proceeded to use Rampage and the last one made to hit Fox with its club.
Mona barely defended against the spell in time and tried to counter but the Sui-ki floated out of reach. The Oni used Rampage again, and it was beginning to cause quite enough damage to go around with.
Joker switched to Arsene and had him cast Media, Mona soon followed along with Zorro. With new energy, Fox dodged the Oni's club and shot it down while Skull nailed it with a Mazio and Panther finished it off with a few strikes of her whip.
''Magaru!'' Mona cast, Zorro whipped up his sword and the strong winds pushing the Sui-ki and third Oni back.
Panther went next ''Carmen, Maragi!''
The burst of flames destroyed the Sui-ki while Fox had Goemon nail the remaining enemies with a Vicious Strike, Makoto moved up then.
''Mafrei!''
The spell destroyed one of the Oni while leaving the second to fall. But the girl was far from finished, she easily revved up her Persona and slammed it hard to finish it off. Seeing more shadows on the way, she had Johanna summon up bright energy that exploded a second later, leaving them blinded. Another round of attacks finished them off.
''Come on, we can't stay here. We already nailed our objective. Besides, he'll just get more shadows soon.'' Mona warned.
It was clear that he was right. They could already see more enemies coming to the reception room from the windows.
''Okay, but how do we get out?'' Panther asked.
Makoto had the answer, glaring at the area before them ''There's only one exit, right?''
'''Sup, Miss Post-Apocalyptic Raider.'' Skull added.
The girl gave him a look ''Do you want to get smacked?'' Ignoring his stammering, she looked at the others. ''I'm going on ahead, follow me!''
She revved up Johanna and charged with great speed, forcing the nearby enemies back.
Mona transformed ''Here's our way out!''
The group of five stopped again at the station, letting Makoto stop to rest up for a bit...
''Man, talk about wild! That was no aikido-that was some hardcore ass whoopin'!'' Ryuji exclaimed.
Ann had to agree ''I am SO not pissing her off...it feels like she'll rip off my arm.''
''She does exude that aura.'' Yusuke agreed.
Namine wasn't sure what to say, she was just relieved that things had turned out okay. ''...Ignoring that for now, are you okay, Senpai?''
''No...this is the most exhausted I've ever gotten these past few years...''
''Yeah, awakening a Persona tends to do that. Don't you feel better though?''
''Actually...a lot better, it felt pretty great.'' Makoto smiled. ''I know I asked you for help but I never imagined I'd meet the Phantom Thieves or even work with them. Sis might faint if she found out.''
''You mentioned your sister earlier.'' Yusuke recalled.
''She's a prosecutor for the district and she's investigating the Phantom Thieves.''
''Wait, ain't that bad?!'' Ryuji recoiled.
''No need to worry, a normal investigation would never lead them to a world like that. Then again, it must've been fate for this to happen...''
''What do you mean?'' Ann wondered.
''I can't be like my sister. I had a feeling that there'd come a time when we wouldn't see eye to eye anymore. I'm thankful to have a sister who works so hard...but there are times I feel sorry for her too. And after hearing Johanna's voice, I clearly understand how I feel now.''
''It appears you're not as reserved as you make yourself seem.'' Yusuke observed.
''I was just doing whatever the adults told me to.'' The girl admitted.
He had a thought ''Won't she be perfect as our advisor? She's fearless and has a sharp mind.''
''Good idea.'' Namine concurred.
''Sounds good to me! We've needed someone like that for a while now!'' Ryuji agreed.
''I'd be honored if I can help out.'' Makoto's phone rang, signalling a message. Her eyes narrowed at the screen ''...It's from Kaneshiro. He's reminding us of our debt. So the Kaneshiro over here doesn't know what happened in the Palace.''
''That's right.'' Morgana affirmed. ''But his Palace will be affected if the real Kaneshiro's coginition changes. We can't be lax.''
''It seems it'd be best to avoid unnecessary conflict with him until then.'' Makoto pointed out and he nodded.
''Three weeks, huh...?'' Ryuji frowned.
''There's that security system too...'' Ann trailed off.
''We'll just have to do what we can.'' Namine stated.
''Yeah, if we pull this off, it'll definitely be great!'' Ann smiled.
''We'll crush him like a fly. I'll make him regret making me angry...'' Ryuji took a step back from the look on Makoto's face while Morgana looked unnerved.
''Anyways, let's begin our operation once we're fully ready.'' Namine concluded.
Morgana jumped on the bed as Namine finished getting ready to go to sleep ''That was some turn of events...''
''No kidding.'' The girl smiled back. ''We were just out to show Senpai the truth and it turns out she's a lot like us.''
''You said it...sounds like she wanted a place to belong too...A motorcycle shape persona, huh?'' Morgana mused with a smile. ''You know I can turn into a vehicle too, so it's like...I feel a sense of familiarity.''
''Yeah?'' She looked amused. ''Well, motorcycles are cool but the bigger cars have special charm in their own way.''
''Oho, you do understand! One shouldn't underestimate the power of four-wheel drive! Well, motorcycles are nice too but it can't carry large numbers of people. I really am special after all, huh?'' Morgana smiled.
''I think that goes without saying.''
''Heh, well nice to know someone understands.''
''You were just looking for someone to say it.'' She retorted.
The cat's expression changed. ''Carry...? No...take somewhere?''
''Morgana?'' Namine wondered what that was that about?
''Something just crossed my mind...'' He admitted. ''...It's no use, I can't remember at all. Eh, there's nothing I can do about it if I can't remember. I need to concentrate on Kaneshiro for now. Unlike you guys, Makoto's clever, so we can expect great things from her.''
''Oh, thanks.'' The girl deadpanned. That was just so typical...
''You know what I mean.'' He said airily. ''Seriously Namine, you have something special.''
''You think?''
''Yup! I better step up my game too!'' Morgana declared. ''I know! After we deal with Kaneshiro, I should consult her about Mementos too. I'm sure Makoto's brain can help.''
The girl nodded ''Well, that sounds good. Let's take it one step at a time.''
''Only way to go!'' As Morgana lay down, he began to think. 'We got Yusuke, and now Makoto...Namine sure has quite the luck...Could there be some reason for it?...It can't be, right?'
The next day...
Makoto and Ann arrived at the student council's office per the latter's request...
''So what did you want to talk about?'' The brunette inquired.
Ann turned to face her ''Well...I think this should've happened already...I wanted to apologize. I'm really sorry for everything.''
''What do you mean?''
''You know how I blamed you for Kamoshida's sexual harassment?'' The blonde went on. ''Well, I wanted to apologize for that...I've honestly been meaning to this whole time. I'm sorry for giving you such a hard time.''
''Takamaki-san...'' She uttered, surprised.
''I realized later that Shiho was calling out for me...and I wasn't there to help her...'' Ann stated, Shiho had actually agreed with Namine when it came to Makoto, which had the blonde thinking a lot. ''...I'm so thankful for Namine...if it wasn't for her, who knows where we'd be. Namine and Shiho were the ones who helped me get my feelings in order too...I didn't want to admit my own guilt...so I took it out on you, Nijima-senpai. I'm...very sorry.'' She bowed.
''...Hey, there is no need for that.'' Makoto assured ''In fact, I think the two of us are pretty similar.''
''Huh?''
''I was unable to save anyone, not Suzui-san and not any of Kaneshiro's victims.'' The girl sighed. ''I kept telling myself I wasn't at fault simply because I was following orders...But that was all a lie. It felt like I would be admitting my own worthlessness had I not shifted the blame off of myself. Fear of that worthlessness was probably why I acted harshly towards you and your friends. You were right about what you said with my treatment about Hyakuya-san too. I was just so surprised, she was so kind. She was the only one who would really listen to me. It meant a lot, I think it's why I wanted to know the truth about the Phantom Thieves. Knowing her made me want me to believe in them too. I thought...if someone like her was a part of that group then I wanted to give them a chance. I won't make any excuses though...I'm deeply sorry as well.''
''I see...'' Ann perked up. ''...in that case, wanna call it even?''
''Even?'' Makoto chuckled. ''You're right...how about we leave this conversation in the past?''
''Mmhm!'' Ann sat down. ''Oh but...one more thing, you're not worthless, Nijima-senpai.'' The girl was puzzled by this ''You were a bit reckless, but you're the reason we found a way into Kaneshiro's Palace. And you even obtained the power to change people's hearts. You did that all by yourself, Nijima-senpai.''
She chuckled ''That way of thinking is very much like you, Takamaki-san...When you confronted me about Suzui-san and even Hyakuya-san, I realized how small and dishonest I was. You're always very direct...that's what helped me finally realize the error of my ways. It turns out that I'm a little slow on the uptake at times...Hey, can I call you Ann?''
''Um, yeah! I...I'm going to do the same, M-Makoto...Rgh, that's so embarrassing!''
She chuckled ''How about we get something to eat before we go home for the night?''
''Ooh, I know a place! Let's get Namine and go. There's a crepe shop at Central Street that totally stuffs their crepes!''
''Do you want to split one?''
''Mmm, let's each get a whole one and then we can go half and half on those!'' Ann beamed.
Makoto smiled ''Well, shall we?''
And break!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 5)
Morgana (Magician Rank 4)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 4)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 2)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 3)
Igor (Aeon Rank 2)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 4)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 3)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank 3)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 4)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 2)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 2)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 1)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 1)