''Looks like you're in a good mood.'' Sojiro remarked, observing his charge curiously early the next morning.
Namine merely smiled and briefed him about the previous day, leaving him pleasantly surprised. ''Nice.'' He hummed. ''Good for you. I see you're breaking all sorts of expectations again.''
''Hehe, well then, I consider that good news.'' She stood after finishing off her breakfast and headed off to school.
It was shaping out to be a normal enough day, there was still a bit of a commotion over the results but over all things were relatively calm.
It was at lunchtime that a surprise took place...
Morgana hummed happily as he took a piece of the food Namine offered ''I think you're getting better at this.''
''Well, thanks. Just hope you're not saying out of relief for not having to eat cat food.''
''Nah...well, maybe a little...'' He conceded after a moment. ''...so I'm just glad that you didn't listen to Ryuji and Yusuke about feeding me the stuff but that doesn't mean I'm not being truthful.''
''You said it yourself, you're not exactly a cat so we shouldn't treat you like one either. Really, a lot of stuff in the Metaverse is just too weird. I don't see how we can just go for standard logic with you.''
''Point.'' Morgana inclined his head.
''Out of curiosity though...from way you're acting, it's like you've tried the stuff. Is it that bad?''
''I didn't try it but that was close...'' The cat wrinkled his nose. ''...I smelled some cat food before, it's nasty.''
Both glanced at Namine's phone as it buzzed, and the girl took it out. There was an odd shape, almost like a cat's head in the center of the screen for a few moments. It faded away, revealing a message from an unknown sender...
?: Nice to meet you. I am the one they call Alibaba.
?: I want to ask you something.
Namine and Morgana shared wary looks as they waited to see what this was about...
?: You're a phantom thief, aren't you?
''What?'' Morgana breathed while Namine's eyes widened.
?: Can you really steal hearts?
''You think this is a prank?'' Morgana inquired.
''No...this is going too far for a joke...look, there's more.''
?: There is someone whose heart I would like you to steal. But I'm not asking for charity.
?: Let's make a deal. You wish to know about Medjed, correct? I can give you information on them if the change of heart is successful. If you so desire, I can take care of them as well.
?: Do you believe in my skills? I can track down their accounts like I did yours. But this is all I can prove at the moment. I've prepared the necessary tool on my end. Look forward to it.
Namine frowned ''I tried responding but there's no receiver...''
''That's weird...just what is going on?'' Morgana wondered.
She wasted no time in informing the others about this via the group chat and they soon agreed to meet after school...
''How the heck did this guy find out?'' Ryuji asked.
Makoto crossed her arms ''There's a chance he might have hacked Namine's phone, that could let him read our group chat messages.''
''Oh man...you think, he could hack our phones too?'' Ann clarified.
''It's highly likely, yes.''
''Oh crap, I better check my phone!'' Ryuji started fiddling with said item.
''What're you panicking about?'' Morgana's question made him stiffen.
''Sounds pervy.'' Ann drawled, she, Makoto and Namine were staring at him pointedly.
''Ah-no! I just...uh...''
''Save it, Ryuji.'' Makoto had no intention to hear him flounder about. They made their way down the street to head to Leblanc.
''Now we have to deal with this person too...'' Yusuke trailed off. ''...this isn't good. At this rate, if they succeed, the blame will fall entirely on the Phantom Thieves.''
''Yeah, the people will just take us as the cause for their terrorism.'' Morgana scowled.
''...Can we do this?'' Ann said after a few moments. ''Medjed on one end and now this guy, it's like things keep getting worse.''
''I say the least we can do is try.'' Namine returned. ''Giving up like this doesn't right with me, besides, there's too much we don't know here. How do we know they'll leave things at that even if we dissolve the team?''
''Good point...''
''Yeah, I don't want to let things end like this. No way!'' Ryuji and Yusuke nodded in agreement to Morgana's words.
''Then perhaps we should focus on gathering more information.'' Makoto offered. ''This Alibaba person could likely get in touch soon, we'll see what we can do from then.''
''Sounds good!''
It wasn't long before they reached their destination. The cafe had no customers and Sojiro was behind the counter, seeming preoccupied with the TV, though he does greet the teens on sight.
''We were thinking about putting plans together for our summer.'' Ann informed.
''Ah, you're the girl from the other day...'' Sojiro noted.
''It's nice to see you again, my name is Nijima Makoto. I hope we're not being a bother.''
''She's our student council president.'' Ryuji added.
The man paused ''Nijima...?''
''Yes. Is something wrong?''
Namine wondered if he was thinking about Sae, given their odd exchange earlier.
If that bothered him, Sojiro surely wasn't letting it show ''...Nah, it's nothing. A student council president, eh? I'm stunned. I'm Sakura Sojiro, but everyone just calls me Boss.'' He looked at Namine. ''By the way, that letter's addressed to you. This old man'll get going and leave you kids be. All right, the store's all yours.''
''Bye, Boss.''
He gave a slight wave back in acknowledgement before closing the door. The group all took their seats and Morgana spoke ''I guess we can use this place as a hideout if we do it right.''
''We do talk a lot about thief stuff here too...'' Ryuji considered. ''...you got a point.''
They turned slightly to the TV as an announcement played out, making them look up to see it display what appeared to be a caster planning to relay the news. 'We have late breaking news on Medjed, whose notoriority rose since their statement on the other day. Just moments ago, a new message was released on their website. They have announced their vistory over the Phantom Thieves. Medjed also warns any japanese citizens who praised the Phantom Thieves to stop doing so.'
Ryuji checked his phone ''Oh, come on, it's in English!''
''Let me see...The Phantom Thieves remain silent at our question. This proves that we are just. People of Japan, wake up. You must not worship the Phantom Thieves.'' Ann read.
''What?!'' Ryuji growled. ''That's bullshit!''
The rest of the group was thankfully calmer ''Keep reading.'' Yusuke prompted.
''We are Medjed, we are unseen. We will eliminate evil...that's what it says.''
''What does that all mean?!'' Ryuji scowled.
''Perhaps all they care about is labeling the Phantom Thieves as crooks.'' Makoto remarked.
''Then they'd have the people resenting us later...thinking that none of it would happen if the Phantom Thieves didn't exist.'' Yusuke crossed his arms.
''Talk about a troublesome organization that we've been target by...'' Morgana grimaced.
''Hey, Namine, what's the letter about anyway? We don't need anymore trouble.'' Ryuji stated.
''Hold on...'' Namine opened it, revealing a surprise. ''...A Calling Card?''
''What the...?'' Ryuji blinked twice.
''Who's this from anyway?'' Ann wondered. ''There's no stamp, someone must dropped it directly onto the mailbox here...''
''Could it have been Alibaba...?'' Makoto frowned.
''He did say something about a necessary tool...'' Morgana remembered. ''...is that it?''
''What the hell's goin' on here...?'' Ryuji cocked his head.
Unfortunately, they had no way of getting some answers and for now, all they could do was wonder just what Alibaba's end game here was...
Things began to clear up again the next day as it was when Alibaba chose to get in touch again...
?: Good day.
HN: Who are you?
?: Ah, you responded today. Again, I am Alibaba. You are the leader of the Phantom Thieves, correct?
HN: That's right.
?: Mm, I appreciate the honesty. I take it you received the calling card? Are you in school now?
HN: I'm in class.
?: You really are a diligent student, huh? Now then I have prepared the Calling Card for you. When are you going to steal it?
HN: Wait, what? I think you have the wrong idea. There's more to it than just the Calling Card.
The reply came after a slight pause...
?: Really? Then what do you need?
HN: The target's name is really important.
?: Is your heart thievery truly impossile without such information?
HN: We take time to investigate our targets. Partly because we have to, so we can make it work. We need info about the target, it's crucial.
?: I see...Hm, I suppose the past calling cards all had names on them. One moment.
?: Very well, I'll tell you. I believe their name was...Sakura Futaba. If you fail in this mission, I will expose your identity to the world and to the police. Well then, I'll be counting on you. We shall speak again after the change of heart.
Morgana blinked ''Wait a minute-Sakura?''
Namine's eyes widened as she caught on ''You think...?''
''It's too early to decide but this seems like an awful bit of coincidence.'' Morgana couldn't help but think of Sojiro's odd behavior lately. ''Anyway, you should tell the others about this, we need to think this through.''
''Right.''
Once again, the team got together after school, now wondering what to make of this new development...
''Does Boss even have family?'' Ann wondered. ''Namine, any idea?''
The girl shook her head ''He's never mentioned any and I don't think they should up in Leblanc before.''
''Well, we can just ask right?'' Ryuji tilted his head a little.
Yusuke's eyes narrowed a bit in thought ''I'm not sure that's a good idea. There had to be some reason he has yet to mention any family. It's likely a sensitive subject, Namine has been living with him for months after all. The direct approach might get her in trouble.''
''That's true.'' Ann agreed. ''Besides, how would we explain how we heard of the name in the first place?''
The ex-athlete smacked himself in the forehead ''Oh yeah, there's that too...''
''Let's try asking in the neighborhood.'' Makoto suggested. ''Even if she doesn't frequent Leblanc, there might be someone who can tell us more about her.''
Sadly, their hopes were dashed as it turned out that no one had even heard of the name. Some weren't even aware that Sojiro lived with anyone or had any relations. The only thing that stood out was the fact that Sojiro apparently bought food for two everytime he went grocery shopping. It wasn't much to go on but that certainly stood out.
What really made no sense was that no one seemed to know anything more. It raised the question of whether the girl even lived in this area or not.
Eventually, due to the lack of info and the time passing, they were forced to call it quits for now and retire for the night.
The following day...
Namine was busy helping set up in the cafe while Sojiro had left to take care of something. It was just as she finished that she heard voices coming from outside, it almost sounded like an argument.
One of Morgana's ears twitched ''Hey, that's the Chief's voice!'' Namine looked at him in surprise.
''Hold on...'' He climbed up on a couch to look at the window. He could see Sojiro standing near the cafe, facing Sae. Both appeared to be worked up over something but all he fully caught were some words. ''...Namine, he's talking to Nijima...''
The girl walked over, also hearing Something about a deal, abuse and 'her' work along with other words like connections and legacy. Sae even went so far to mention a lawsuit and her extremely high chance of winning. When Sojiro stayed quiet, she walked away.
It was a minute later that he entered, noticing his charge's troubled look. He sighed ''Let me guess, you heard?''
She nodded ''A little...but to be fair, you were loud. I thought there was some kind of trouble.''
''Yeah, I guess it's natural to think so.''
Namine hesitated for a moment ''Does this have anything to do with whatever Nijima-san came here for the other day?''
''Pretty much...'' Sojiro was expecting her to press on so what she said next surprised him.
''Are you okay?''
''Yeah...it's just something I need to handle on my own, nothing for you to worry about.'' He assured
NM: Abuse?
HN: That's what we overheard anyway.
KY: That seems really hard to believe.
SR: I know, right? Boss sure doesn't seem like the sort.
TA: Yeah...Makoto, do you have any idea why your sister would go so far?
NM: I'm afraid not. She must have her reasons-is what I might have said but I'm not so sure now...
KY: Yes, this is a serious accusation. She seems to want something out of all this but I can't imagine what.
NM: Namine, you'd know best here. Is he really the kind of person who'd abuse someone?
HN:...No, I just can't imagine it.
TA: Me neither.
SR: Same.
KY: I agree.
NM: That's a relief...it's hard for me to swallow as well.
The sudden agreement made Namine and Morgana smile, glad that they had come to a consensus.
KY: Now what can we do from here on?
''It might be better to talk about this in person. We're meeting up with them in a bit anyway, right?'' Morgana reminded.
Namine nodded and texted this back. They had agreed to have the celebration for their previous big success today so they were to meet in a sushi bar located in Ginza.
SR: Good, we'll deal with it then.
NM: How can you guys think of this now?
TA: I'd say it's something of a tradition at this point. Besides, with all the tension going about we could really use a change of pace.
HN: Sounds good to me. See you guys there.
A couple of hours later, the group got together near the bar's entrance and went in. It didn't take them long to find some seats but even there, many of the customers were talking about Medjed and the Phantom Thieves.
''I know we were hoping to avoid this and not bring trouble to you but I'm afraid we might not have any choice, Namine.'' Makoto said apologetically. ''It looks like we might have to confront Boss about Futaba after all.''
''It's okay, I've been trying to figure out what to do as well. I'm going to see if I can talk to him about it somehow...''
Truthfully, she had been apprehensive about pressing this as she felt he was pressured enough because of Sae. They didn't know what the story was but it sure sounded like the woman was trying to force him to agree to whatever she had in mind. She had gotten fairly well with Sojiro so far and he was one of the few adults now that really did try to help-she didn't want anything to jeopardize that.
But at the same time, this was the only way...
''Well, he's definitely keeping a bunch of stuff to himself but I don't really see the harm.'' Ann bit her lip. ''Actually, I got curious so I looked up Boss' name in the Nav. There was no hit.''
''I had a feeling he wouldn't have a Palace or a Shadow in Mementos but it's nice to be sure...'' Morgana trailed off.
''Yusuke and I even tried to see if we could get to Futaba's Palace. We just don't have enough information to make that work.'' Makoto explained.
Said artist had a thought ''Actually, Namine, do you think your grandparents would know?''
''I'm not sure. Boss has been good friends with them for years so maybe...I did think of asking them but how can I even word this into a way that wouldn't raise any suspicions?''
He nodded ''Yes, I'd imagine that would be troublesome...''
''You think Alibaba could be Boss' ex-wife?!'' Ryuji wondered. ''He musta cheated on her, and that's where Futaba came from.''
Most of the group gave him unimpressed looks at this, wondering how he made that leap of logic.
''Doubtful.'' Ann stated.
''Your imagination has run rampant.'' Makoto sighed.
''How foolish.'' Yusuke added.
''Boss didn't get married.'' The statement had them looking at Namine curiously. ''It came up once before and he told me he didn't see any need to do so.''
''There's that theory busted...'' Ryuji trailed off.
''Like it could have ever worked.'' Ann deadpanned, earning a dark look from him.
Makoto exhaled ''I'm sorry for bringing this up. You all might be right about us needing to relax. Let's just enjoy the food.''
''All right! Is the fatty tuna ready yet?'' Morgana asked.
''Just about...'' Namine paused and picked some up before giving it to him.
''Thanks!''
''Don't talk!'' Ryuji hissed.
''Well, I can't say I don't understand how he feels, this is quite delicious.'' Yusuke smiled.
''Hey, we earned it.'' Ann beamed.
''I certainly won't argue there.''
''This is all thanks to us bein' the Phantom...'' Ryuji was cut in as Ann elbowed him sharply. ''...crap...''
''U-uh, fantastic! This sushi is delicious!'' Makoto exclaimed.
''Y-yeah! The fish is so fresh!'' Ann added.
''Hmph, everywhere we go, we hear about these phantom thieves...'' A woman harrumphed.
''What rubbish.'' A man agreed.
''Ryuji, I know you get carried away but would you please try to curb that?'' Makoto chided.
''Ahaha, noted...sorry, it kinda slipped out...''
Trying to brush the sudden slip up aside, they were succesful in changing the subject and had a good time while enjoying their meal.
On their way back...
"Hey, so what happened with the donation, Makoto? You never said."
Ryuji's reminder made her pause "Oh sorry, I actually asked a friend of my father for help. I framed it as an anonymous donation and he helped me take care of it. I have it on good word that we made people very happy."
That was more than enough for him "Sweet!"
The others exchanged smiles, similarly elated. It was good to know they could make a difference this way as well.
Seeing a newspaper with the Medjed logo had Ann wondering aloud "Did anything change...?" She checked her phone and accessed the internet. ''Whoa! Guys, listen...''
''Well, this is quite a surprise.'' A new voice cut in, bringing everyone's attention to none other than Akechi. ''Hello again...''
''Akechi...'' Ryuji began to frown.
''Do you know this guy?'' asked Yusuke.
Akechi looked at him ''It's nice to meet you...my name is Akechi, glad to make your acquaintance, Kitagawa Yusuke-kun.''
''How do you know my name?''
''Well, because I'm a psychic of course.'' He laughed. ''I'm only joking. In truth, I'm a rookie detective. You're a former pupil of Madarame, right? I have actually just recently joined the investigation team looking into the Phantom Thieves. Did you see that Medjed has declared war on them?''
''War?'' Ryuji started.
''Their website was updated just a moment ago.''
Ryuji checked his phone ''English again...ugh, forget this. So what's this about a war? Did they make another threat?''
''Yes. To cut it short, they're going to destroy Japan's economy if the Phantom Thieves don't reveal their identities.''
''Say what?!''
''You're certainly agitated...''
''Well he really believes in the Phantom Thieves. I think it's just a surprise for anyone to hear of this.'' Namine offered.
''Fair enough. Though I don't know how wise it is to be a fan of groups like this.''
''What is with these comments?'' Makoto frowned.
''Everyone has their our own view, Akechi-kun. We just happen to agree that the Phantom Thieves are helping people.'' Namine informed
''That's fair, my apologies. I didn't mean to butt into your conversation. But I must say, this is an interesting group...'' He mused. ''...Prosecutor Nijima's sister, an ex-pupil of Madarame and a few students of Shujin Academy...It seems you're all connected to the Phantom Thieves. Perhaps you have better intel than I do.'' He looked at Namine. ''Ah yes, I wanted to ask you something. Regarding this whole Medjed commotion, if you were one of the Phantom Thieves, what would you do?''
''It...more or less depends on what comes of this but I guess if things are the way they are now, I'd leave them be.''
''Oh?'' He seemed intrigued.
''Well, we still don't know what they're up to but anyway, the Phantom thieves can be a controversial topic. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion.''
''Very true...'' He inclined his head. ''...how thoughtful of you.''
''Sorry to disappoint, but we're just high school students.'' Ryuji crossed his arms ''If anything, we wanna hear what you gotta say, Mr. Detective.''
''My profiling of the Phantom Thieves has lead me to believe that they are a bunch of juveniles. They have a relative amount of free time after school, and a hideout to slip away to. Furthermore considering Kamoshida was their first target, it seems they began their activity within April.'' He paused. ''In a way, all I've just said about them coincides with your group here. I almost wonder if you do happen to know them even as civilians."
''What, you gonna report us?'' Ryuji demanded.
''If anything, approaching us with this now makes you suspicious.'' Yusuke stated.
''Ah, I suppose...'' He trailed off. ''...Apologies, my curiosity got the best of me.''
''...Is this about what you said at the station? Because my opinion hasn't changed.'' Namine remarked.
''I didn't expect it to. I can see you have your own reasons to believe in them. I lack your mannerism and that faith...but don't you think my deduction was an interesting one? I bet we'd make a great team if we work together.''
''What?! The hell're you' sayin?'' Ryuji exclaimed.
Akechi faced Namine ''I'm curious to hear what you have to say. You seem to have a wealth of information. In return, I'll teach you how to make deductions. I believe that is a fair trade off for you.''
''I don't know about having wealth of information...but I guess I'm all right with more of those talks...'' Namine shrugged ''...let's see what comes of it.''
''Excellent. Well, this has has been a valuable point of reference for me. I hope to see you all again.'' He left.
''What was that about?'' Ann wondered.
''Do you think he's ascertained our true identities?'' Yusuke added.
''Nah, couldn't be, right?'' Ryuji frowned.
''I'd like to say that it's us simply overthinking this but it may be best to be cautious from now on.'' Makoto warned ''We shouldn't forget that Alibaba was able to discover who we are.''
''True but it's not as though he has tangible evidence to prove that discovery.'' Yusuke pointed out. ''Just keep acting normally.''
''Ann, what did you see about Medjed before?'' Namine asked, remembering her outcry.
''Oh yeah! Listen to this...'' She glanced at her phone. ''...We are disappointed in the people of Japan and their belief in the Phantom Thieves' false justice. Hence, we shall proceed with our plan to cleanse Japan. This process will commense on August 21st. As a result, the Japanese economy will suffer devastating damage.''
Ryuji's eyes widened ''For real?''
''Keep going.'' Makoto prompted.
''However, we are magnanimous. We will give the Phantom Thieves one final opportunity to repent. As proof of their repentance, we demand that they reveal their identities to the public. We will attack if these demands remain unmet. The future of Japan rests with the Phantom Thieves. We are Medjed, we are unseen. We will eliminate evil.''
''Sounds bad...'' Ryuji trailed off.
''In other words. If we don't unmask ourselves, Medjed will attack Japan? It seems they are quite the attention seekers.'' Yusuke concluded
''What are we gonna do about this?'' Ann wondered.
''If only we could contact Alibaba...'' Makoto trailed off.
Another day passed since and they were still trying to figure out what to do about their problem. The girls even tried bringing up family subtly into a conversation with Sojiro but he hadn't told them a thing. Namine tried to see if Yuri and Itsuki happened to know anything that could help by asking discreetly around any other family of Sojiro but they hadn't responded to her email yet. Thus, the team was left at a loss...
''This really keeps getting more complicated...'' Morgana frowned. ''...hey, when the Chief gets back, how about we...?''
The sound of the door opening distracted the feline, making him look over to see Sae walking in.
''Oh...hi, Nijima-san.'' Namine said after a moment.
''Good evening.'' She returned. ''Is Sakura-san here?''
''You just missed him. I think he's going to grab some ingredients.''
''I see...'' She spoke after almost a minute. ''...actually, since I'm here...Hyakuya-san, there's something I'd like to ask.'' At the girl's curious look, she added. ''I remember overhearing the two of you talking about how your grandparents are friends with him. How has your stay here been?''
''Eh? It's been good...'' The girl was wondering where on earth this was coming from.
This did make Morgana remember that odd exchange they overheard a couple of days. ''Namine, ask her about her last visit.''
The girl proceeded to do so ''...Does this have to with whatever you were talking about the other day?''
''As I thought, he's keeping you out of the loop.'' Sae remarked. ''What you overheard has to do with my investigation. He has information that could be vital for it.''
''Oh, Makoto said you were investigating the mental shutdowns...''
Sae looked curious ''Ah, so you've met? Well, she was right.''
''Wait, you mean Boss is withholding that information?'' Namine clarified.
''Effectively, he is.''
The girl had trouble believing that, why would he do that in the first place? She guessed her expression gave her away because the prosecutor went on ''You have quite the trust in someone who's clearly keeping much secrets from you. That answer you gave before seems vague, has he done something to earn that trust? Or is he forcing you to pretend everything is fine?''
''No, of course not!'' Namine replied firmly. ''And I don't mind that Boss is keeping his secrets, he's done a lot for me. I don't know why you would even think those things of him but he's a good person, I believe that.''
''Well...''
''That's enough.'' Startled, the three looked at the door to find Sojiro making his way in. ''Whatever your buisness is, it's with me. You have no right dragging her into this.''
''You can't act like she's uninvolved. She would be, to an extent, considering that you're her guardian.'' Sae countered.
He grit his teeth ''...I gave you my opinion last time, it hasn't changed.''
''Very well then. I have my ways of getting you to talk.''
''Oi, that's...!'' The man grimaced as she left. ''...She really is good at pissing people off.''
Namine was all for respecting his privacy but she had to ask this time, it was getting too much. ''Boss...''
He sighed ''...Thanks for sticking up for me.''
''No problem but...what is this about? I don't know what happened the other day but she basically implied that you're mistreating me.''
''I figured it was something like that...'' Sojiro trailed off. ''...she is right, in a way. I haven't been fair to you. Take a seat, I'll explain.''
''Just to make sure, how much of that questioning did you hear the last time she came?'' Sojiro began once they sat opposite each other, with Morgana on her lap.
''Something about that info she mentioned and a little about your family...'' Namine blinked. ''...oh and something about a lawsuit.''
''I see...''
''Erm, Boss, do you have family living here? I would have thought they'd come around to the cafe at least once in a while. Or at least get in touch with you.'' Namine admitted.
''...It's complicated, kid.'' Sojiro paused. ''That lawsuit she mentioned? It's actually a custody trial.''
''Custody? Wait, so...''
''Yeah, this is about my daughter, Futaba.'' The barista stated.
''Daughter?''
''To be more accurate, she's the daughter of an old acquaintance. Futaba's mother was a bit of a weird one. Sharp witted, somewhat stern, a little socially inept but always carefree...'' He smiled for a moment. ''...but we got along well for some reason. When something piqued her interest, she'd work into the night completely focused. She was on her own, I never knew who the father was but she did her best to raise Futaba.'' He paused. ''They were as close as you could get, a happy little family. Except one day...Futaba's mother committed suicide right in front of her.''
''What...?'' Namine breathed. Morgana's jaw dropped, both stared at him with growing horror at the story.
''I ended up taking custody of Futaba. It was terrible at first. She was so depressed, she would've even talk to me. All I could do was be patient and keep trying to talk to her. She did start opening up, little by little.'' Sojiro recalled. ''If she was living normally, she'd be a year behind you and your friends. But she couldn't...A few months ago, she started getting scared, when nothing was happening. She'd be hearing voices and even saying things like Wakaba was looking at her, that Wakaba was cursing her. She's been a shut-in ever since. She won't take a single step outside or try to see other people. Most of our conversations are through that shut door. Maybe I'm just not good at being a foster parent.''
Namine's heart went out to them ''Don't say that...you obviously care about her.''
He spared her a grateful look before going on ''What Futaba needs is a safe place where no one will threaten her and people who can be there for her. I want to provide those things for her. Sometimes I wonder if I can...''
''Well, you're still trying...I think that's worth something.'' Namine offered. ''No wonder things seemed so off here..."Nijima-san can't actually blame you for this. What happened to Futaba is awful...''
''Yeah...but I would be held responsible. I'm her guardian, remember?'' He returned. ''I shouldn't have kept this a secret from you. But now you know why I had you live here instead of at the house, right?''
She nodded ''Don't worry, I understand. You were just thinking of Futaba. It's only natural to want to make her feel safe. She deserves better than this...and so do you.''
''...I knew plenty before now but you really are kind.'' Sojiro privately thought that Namine deserved better than what she got too. ''Thanks for today, I'll close up. I need to go check up on Futaba anyway.''
Okay, let's stop here.
It feels like this would be way too long others wise, anyway, hope I didn't rush things with Futaba. There just wasn't much else I could think of to help the time process. Besides, It felt like I would drag the reveal on for no reason. I thought of having them sneak into his house like in canon but then this idea occurred to me back when I started working on this arc and I just had to try.
Just to clarify, Namine and Futaba are both related to Sojiro's friends and he was now responsible for the both of them. If Sae was convinced that he was in fact abusing Futaba, it would make sense for her to speculate that the same might be happening to Namine, right? Remember that at this point, she's basically fishing for information from a lot of angles.
Anywho, you'll see what comes as a result of the revelations here next chapter, which will be also Futaba's introduction into the story. Thanks for reading and sticking with this story and I hope you keep it up.
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank 8)
Morgana (Magician Rank 4)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank 7)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 4)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 3)
Igor (Aeon Rank 4)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 4)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 5)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank 6)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 5)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 3)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 3)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 4)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 2)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 3)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 2)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 2)