After Sojiro left for the night, Namine and Morgana retreated to the attic, both deep in thought after the story he told them...
It really shook up Namine's view of Sojiro, she had suspected that he was nicer than he let on before but to think he had been dealing with something like this. It had to have been hard on him and to say nothing of poor Futaba...
She really wanted to help them somehow...was there anything she could do?
''I never would've thought it was something like this...'' Morgana trailed off.
''Me too...he's trying to be there for Futaba but now Nijima-san wants to get Boss in trouble for things outside his control. This is cruel...'' Namine took out her phone and accessed the group chat.
HN: Guys, we need to talk. We found out about Futaba today.
SR: For real? How'd that go?
HN: Well...it's best if we meet up. It's complicated.
KY: Very well.
SR: Right!
TA: Got it.
NM: We'll be there.
''What?!''
''I knew we weren't wrong to keep our faith in Boss but to think this was the truth...'' Yusuke verbalized the team's shock.
''Yeah, this is damn wrong...he really is a good guardian. It ain't his fault!'' Ryuji stated.
''It's awful, things are obviously hard on them. Sorry, Makoto, I don't care if she is your sister. She's horrible for putting them through this!'' Ann frowned.
Makoto bit her lip ''I understand-this is going too far...she's wrong about him...'' She closed her eyes for a moment. ''...but where do we go from here?''
''This keeps getting more complicated...who is Alibaba and how is he related to it all?'' Morgana wondered.
Ann looked pensive ''Actually, a while after we left school, he messaged mine and Makoto's phones, asking about our progress. I tried asking if we could meet up so we can explain things to him. All he said was that it would be hard.''
The feline tilted his head ''How come?''
''Apparently, he can't go out.''
Makoto crossed her arms ''He was rather vague about it too. The only thing we could make sure of was that he knew the problem now. I had no idea what we could do until Namine contacted us.''
''That's strange. If he can't go out and he's clearly keeping his plans secret, how would he know if we succeeded?'' Yusuke wondered.
''It doesn't add up.'' Makoto remarked. ''We know Futaba has a Palace. Neither she or Alibaba can go outside and from all we've heard they're both very clever. To think he contacted us at such a time when Boss is obviously being pressured...'' She paused. ''...everyone, this might be a long shot but what if Alibaba is Futaba herself?''
''What?'' Ann blinked.
Yusuke thought over the brunette's words ''It is a bit of a stretch but I can see how you reached that conclusion.''
''Yeah but it's still weird...I mean, let's say she's right, would anyone actually ask us to change their heart?'' Ryuji pointed out.
''It may be a first but she's likely on to something.'' Morgana remarked. ''We don't know enough about Futaba to be sure of anything.''
''Things do seem to fall into place.'' Namine mused.
''Yeah, the timing and situation seem a little too convenient for it to be someone else...'' Ann trailed off. ''...anyway, I know it's getting late so should we try figuring out how to get into the Palace tomorrow?''
Morgana nodded ''Sounds good, Lady Ann.''
Since they had the day off, the team agreed to meet early to tack on the recent situation. Morgana had already gone ahead but there was something else Namine wanted to see about...
She had been thinking about this ever since learning the truth about Futaba. She couldn't bear to just sit back and do nothing. They may change her heart soon but she didn't think that would be enough. Life wasn't nearly that easy-after all, even with all they had been through, they still had plenty of struggles to deal with.
There was one thing Namine really wanted to try now...
''You want to talk to Futaba?'' Sojiro looked surprised. ''Hold on, you remember what I explained, right? She's not going to...''
''I'm not expecting anything from her, Boss. It's not about that.'' Privately, she thought her grandparents would likely have done the same and helped Futaba if they had known about her. She couldn't just not do anything after learning what she did. ''It's just...I really don't want to not even try doing anything after that story. All I really had in mind was that I could just sit outside her room and talk. After all this time, I learned that even in the worst of times, if you just have a little support out there, it could mean the world to you. I don't know I can be that for her, but I still want to try. So please?''
He sighed ''All right, all right. What can I say to that? Let's not go so far...'' His lips twitched. ''...we'll go on in a bit.''
''You sure about this? As much as I would love to see the opposite keep in mind that it might not do any good.'' Sojiro informed as they arrived at the Sakura residence.
Namine nodded ''I know...it's like I told you back there. It just wouldn't sit right with me to not try even a little.''
''...Much appreciated. All right then.''
With that, she followed him to the house and both put their shoes at the entrance before Sojiro went to a room nearby and she headed upstairs. The girl paused half way as her phone buzzed with a new message.
?: Why are you here?
The girl blinked, now feeling puzzled. This was similar to...did this mean Makoto was right?
HN: Is this Futaba?
Futaba: Yes...
HN: Oh. Well, I just want to talk...I've been living around here for this long but this was the first I ever heard of you. It felt like I have to try something. Say, which one's your room door?
Futaba:...The one with the keep out tape. But you can't come in.
Hn: That's not why I asked, I told you I just want to talk. I don't mind if you keep texting me but I want to know more about you, okay?
Futaba: That's all? I...guess it wouldn't hurt.
Namine went to sit down with her back to the door Futaba mentioned. ''...Say, Futaba...my friend sort of sussed this out yesterday but just so we can be sure, are you Alibaba?''
Futaba: Oh...you guys figured it out before? Well yeah, that's the name I've gotten into using.
''Hmm...did you by any chance place the bug in Leblanc because of me? You know, because of my record and all.''
Futaba: No, the bug's been there for longer. I wanted to keep an eye on Sojiro. Hearing about you just made me all the more careful about using it.
''I see...''
Futaba:...I don't get it. Why would you want to know more about someone like me?
Namine blinked ''Someone like you...? Well, I don't really need a reason. I probably would've done this if I heard about you before. Boss never told me he had any family but we kinda figured it's because of my reputation.''
Futaba: That would be a deterrent but you don't seem like the person I expected to come. When I heard a delinquent with a record would come, I figured you might look more...dangerous.
''Afraid you were wrong on all accounts.''
Futaba:...Do you really think you can help me?
Namine knew her answer ''Yeah and you can be sure I'll try my best to do so.''
Futaba:...This is because I've threatened you and your team, huh?
''I can't speak for the others but I would say that motivated us into action. But I honestly want to help out here and not because of our team. We chose to be so we can help others.''
Futaba:...Really? But why would you even want to help me?
Namine looked saddened ''Is that really so strange...? What happened to you is beyond cruel and uncalled for. I can't believe you killed your mom, Futaba.''
Futaba: Well, it's true. I...I killed her. It's all my fault. Now I'm getting Sojiro in trouble too...it would've been better if I was the one who died that day...
''...Don't say that. I'm sure Boss would disagree. He obviously cares about you a whole lot, I could tell from the way he talked.''
Futaba: I don't deserve it...I...
Namine's heart clenched ''Futaba...'' This was all so terrible. How much had she been through since her mother died to reduce her to this? ''...hey, how about a little trade-off? I'll tell you about myself and you tell me about you.''
Futaba: ? Okay...not much to tell though...
''I'll be the judge of that.'' The older girl returned. ''Well...the truth is, a few months ago I woke up from a nearly two year long coma. After a burglary incident that could have gotten us all killed. But when I was heading home from the doctor's I found a woman being harassed by a drunk, so I stepped in to help her. That drunk stumbled and hurt himself but he blamed me. He forced everyone involved to play along with this and had all the people fooled.'' She paused. ''Basically my life in that town ended...my parents think I'm the criminal I was made out to be and I deserve what I'm getting completely.''
Futaba:...They told you that?
''Mm, there's more things you're better off not hearing.'' The girl exhaled ''Effectively, the people I grew up with decided they wanted nothing more to do with me. The only ones who even tried to understand are my grandparents, they were a real rock for me...''
A thought occured to her ''...Actually, I wonder if you've seen them before. Boss told me they were regulars in Leblanc before they started traveling. They're good friends.''
Futaba: Hm...Wait, I think I know who you're talking about. You kinda look like that lady.
''Yeah, people tend to tell me that. It brings me to another reason, I think they'd want to help you too if they knew about this. They helped raise me after all. Anyway, I know he did it because they asked him to but Boss took me in. Even when he was strict, he was fair...''
Unbeknownst to the girls, Sojiro had arrived to see what was going on then, hearing Namine go on. It sounded like the girl figured that Futaba wouldn't be comfortable talking and so they got each other's contact information. And from what he was hearing, Namine seemed to have taken to just telling about herself to start.
That was already a good way to handle it, he remembered how pushy some of the doctors got and of course, it made Futaba close up on herself even more...
''...For someone who's effectively been abandoned, Boss gave me a chance. He actually heard me out and we talked plenty and he even started teaching me...''
Sojiro paused at the stairs, surprised. It hadn't been much, did it really mean so much for her?
Futaba: Wait, what do you mean abandoned?
Namine blinked ''Ah, right I didn't explain...See, the night of my arrest was the last I heard from my parents.''
Sojiro's eyes widened at this, it was certainly news to him...They never even tried to contact her?! But it was months ago now, Namine could have died for all they knew...what on earth...
So that was why neither his charge or her grandparents brought them up. To think they believed a stranger over their only child and family...this was messed up.
He suddenly remembered something Namine mentioned before. She had said how he had yet to give up on Futaba...was she thinking of this?
Futaba: Whoa, what? After that awful stuff they said...they didn't do anything?
''I said it, right? Someone who's been abandoned...''
He had to admit, he could understand where she was coming from. They had turned their backs on her for sure...this was cruel...And it was sad that Namine was moved by something so small as him being her guardian. He really didn't think he did much for her...
''...But that's just why I want to help you two. I think you deserve a lot better than what you got and if there's some way I can make sure it would happen, I'm definitely going for it.'' Namine finished.
Futaba:...How are you so strong? People turned their backs on you too...but you still kept going...
''Honestly, I'm not sure...I just did what I could at the time.'' Namine admitted. ''I don't know if I'd call myself strong either, Futaba...You didn't see what I was like at first, I was a mess. I just...it was the only way I could see...''
Futaba: You say that but it sure doesn't look that way.
''Well, I guess so...I've had some really good help.'' Namine smiled as she thought of her friends and other people she came to know, like Sojiro, Yoshida and Takemi. ''I could help you out, if you'd let me.''
Futaba: That's...it won't do any good...I can't...there's no point.
''What do you mean?''
Futaba: I'm just an inconsequent person...no maybe even less than that. I'm the monster who killed Mom...I don't deserve help.
Namine frowned ''What? That can't be...''
Futaba:...You don't know what happened. I'll follow on our deal now...
Futaba: Sojiro told you the gist, right? There's a lot more...At the funeral...everyone blamed me. They said I drove her to kill herself...My family didn't want me. They all condemned me...kind of like your parents did.
Namine felt sick at the thought, things were awful with her and her parents. She didn't want anyone to experience that sort of situation...they had effectively burned their bridges with her.
Futaba: They all said everything was my fault...that I was a horrible daughter and I drove Mom to commit suicide. That I'm the monster who destroyed her...I'm nothing but a dead weight that she just couldn't take anymore. My uncle...they all said I was better off dead.
Futaba:...They were right, it's all my fault...it's like my uncle said...it would've been better if I wasn't born, Mom would be alive and happy...she would've done all she wanted with no one to slow her down. I should've been the one to die that day. Maybe I will in that tomb...
Futaba: There you have it. I don't deserve anyone's help. I'm just a burden on Sojiro too.
''W-why...?'' Namine couldn't take her eyes off the messages. She knew Futaba had it rough but she never imagined it would be this bad. The girl actually believe the awful things those people told her. It was even worse to think that this had been going on for so long...
How could those people be so callous? To condemn a girl grieving for her mother like this...
Sojiro had been about to leave when he happened to glance back at Namine, noticing something that had him stop in his tracks.
Futaba: Wha-hey, are you...crying?
Namine blinked before rubbing at her face. She hadn't even noticed the tears till then...''S-sorry...'' She wiped her eyes. ''...I didn't even realize...you probably don't want a stranger's pity and all. It's just so cruel...I really don't think it's right to blame you, Futaba. I can't agree to that.'' She bit her lip. ''I have a feeling there's more to it.''
Futaba: I...but it's...I can't...
She smiled a bit ''...It's fine. I won't pressure you to say anything, but I won't give up like this either. Is it okay if I come to talk again? I promise I won't pressure you if you don't feel comfortable. We can keep talking like this so long as you're okay with. Does that sound all right?''
Futaba:...Yeah...
''Great, then you can be sure I will.''
Sojiro went back down as his charge made to leave, this had gone more different than he imagined. Whether she knew it or not, Namine had made far more progress than it seemed.
Once again, his opinion of Namine was elevated. To think this was why she wanted to try all along. He was certainly convinced of one thing now, Namine had a heart of gold. The barista resolved to make sure that he would do what was right for her in return as well.
Shortly afterwards, she went to meet up with the others at a park...
''There you are.'' Ann took note of her downcast expression. ''Did something happen?''
''Ah, sorry. I was just thinking...'' Namine thought it was better to talk about what she heard later, though there was no denying that it was weighing on her. ''...Anyway, shall we get started?''
''Sure. You know, I think Makoto had the right idea about Futaba.'' Morgana informed the group. ''I tried to spy on her last night and from the looks of it she's really good with computers. From the looks of those books and her work, she's seriously smart. She was trying to look into Medjed too. I heard her say something about hacking their site...''
''I see. It all really does seem to fall into place.'' Yusuke remarked.
Ryuji raised the most important points ''How? Why would she ask us to change her own heart?''
''Is it really so surprising after what we learned yesterday?'' The artist returned.
He frowned in confusion ''But I thought only evil people had Palaces...''
''So did I. I get why she would really like some help but to go this far?'' Ann looked skeptic.
''I don't know about that...'' They looked at Namine. ''...Mona, correct me if I'm wrong but Palaces form because of corrupted desires. Makoto once said it's like removing a tumor from a sick person. That doesn't mean all the targets have to be bad...some can be just misguided. Right?''
The cat nodded ''As sharp as ever, Namine. Yusuke's thinking along the right lines too. After hearing her story, it would be understandable to want to change her cognition. That's why Futaba needs our help.''
''Well then, let's begin.'' Makoto activated the Nav. ''So, the location would have to be Boss' house...but the distortion...?''
''About that...'' Morgana frowned a bit. ''...after what I heard last night...I think we should try to connect it to a place of death.''
''A place of death?'' The teens were alarmed. Makoto's brow furrowed ''Don't tell me she...''
Morgana knew what she was going to say and he decided to carry on ''I'm hoping that's wrong but can we try anyway?''
Nodding, the brunette began to think ''How about...a graveyard?'' No good.
''A crypt then?'' Ann suggested, but it was also a failure.
''Perhaps a burial ground.'' Yusuke offered.
''No good. Cemetery?'' Ann tried again. Neither attempts were correct.
Namine remembered something Futaba mentioned ''...Makoto, what about a tomb?''
The girl put in the word, starting as they got a hit. ''It's a hit. Get ready!''
The strange part was, instead of landing near the Palace, the Phantom Thieves came to be in a desert. Since Mona could sense it close though, it seemed similar to their last Palace excursion so the cat transformed and they got a ride to the destination.
''It's so hot...'' Ryuji wheezed.
The others felt similarly, all worn and drained by the intense heat. Yusuke grimaced ''How did even happen?''
''Nothing about this world makes much sense, remember?'' Ann sighed. ''This is awful...''
''No kidding, Mona, don't you have some AC?'' Ryuji demanded.
''It's supposed to be working.'' Mona responded. ''I just don't see how with all this heat...''
He groaned ''Aw come on! Are you even trying?''
''Are you calling me a liar?!''
''Is it actually on?'' Ann wondered, frowning.
Mona wasn't about to take that lying down ''You too, Lady Ann? Oh come on!''
''You can't complain if it's true.''
''Took the words right out of my mouth.'' Ryuji agreed.
''Oi, that's-!''
Makoto looked annoyed ''Would you all just stop? This isn't helping!''
''If anything, it's just making it all worse for everyone.'' Namine added.
''Well...'' Ann blinked, noting how Ryuji and Yusuke leaned closer all of a sudden. It suddenly made sense when she looked down at her top and saw that her bra was beginning to show under her white shirt. Since they were all sweaty, Makoto had a similar problem while Namine's was lessened since her darker clothes made it less obvious.
Seeing how engrossed they appeared left her all the more annoyed. She grabbed a lever and pulled ''Take this!''
Suddenly, the two were thrown back against the seat. ''Gah! What the hell?!'' Ryuji cried out.
Namine sighed ''Serves you both right.''
Ann harrumphed while Makoto spared the boys a dark look ''I'll say, you Idiots.''
Thankfully, it wasn't long after that they arrived at the Palace. The tomb loomed over them, seeming particularly prominent in the area.
''It's huge!'' Ryuji stared up at the building.
''My, that's quite a Palace...'' Yusuke trailed off. ''...Beautiful. The golden ratio is perfect.''
''Man, this is even worse!'' Ryuji exclaimed, referring to the heat. ''All the more because the AC was useless!''
''I told you, there wasn't much I could do!'' Mona retorted.
''Ryuji, leave him alone. He's telling the truth.'' Makoto stated, aware of how ACs work. ''Let's just focus on what to do here.''
''Yeah, come on, the weather inside has got to be better than this.'' Ann led their way to the entrance. ''By the way, I've been wondering about why our soul armor hasn't appeared yet. I mean even Morgana's changed form.''
''Good observation, Lady Ann. This is standard for me but the soul armor indicates that the Palace ruler sees us a threat.'' Mona explained.
Ryuji blinked as it added up for him ''Oh so since Futaba wants us to pull this off, we're in the clear?''
He began to grin when the feline nodded. ''Nice! This'll be a cinch.'' His eyes widened as the temperature suddenly got cooler. ''Whoa, this is much better!''
''It might be because Futaba's room has an AC running.'' Morgana stated.
Namine couldn't help but think of what the girl told her before ''So this is how she sees her own room...they really pushed her that far.''
''Yeah...'' Makoto frowned. ''...it'll be fine once we finish this. She even wants us to succeed, let's go.''
The girl nodded back and they began getting up the stairs. It wasn't long before they found someone waiting there.
It was a girl dressed in a fancy egyptian outfit, similar to that of royalty, she had orange hair and golden eyes. Her expression remained impassive as she stared down at the group.
''That's Futaba's Shadow...'' Morgana trailed off.
'Those who plunder my tomb...why have you come?'
''What're you sayin'? You want us to steal your heart, right?'' Ryuji reminded.
'If you think you can, feel free to try.' The shadow retorted.
''That's rather defiant.'' Morgana remarked.
''Perhaps she's one of those tsundere types.'' Yusuke tilted his head.
''What does that have to do with anything? She's not making any sense. Why...'' Makoto started.
Shadow Futaba spoke up 'Considering the state of my Palace...there is no way you can steal it.'
A moment later, some voices resounded around them.
'Creepy.'
'You killed her.'
'It's your fault.'
'Murderer...'
'You're a jinx.'
Namine's blood ran cold, thinking back to her conversation with the girl in the real world. Was this what she had been talking about? People had been telling this kind of thing for years?
''What is this?'' Yusuke frowned.
''The voices are related to her cognition...based on what we know...'' Mona faltered, noticing the Shadow hunch over as if in pain.
The Shadow held her head 'Yes...it's my fault. I'm the one who killed my mother.'
''Wait, none of her family would take care of and that's why Boss stepped in, right? So it's all because they blamed her for this?'' Ann scowled.
Makoto was furious ''This is what people have been telling her ever since Isshiki-san died? How dare they?!''
Ryuji cursed ''This is so messed up! No way in hell is it her fault!''
But the voices were continuing, relentless in their terrible words. 'You're nothing but a burden.'
Namine refused to just listen to any more of this ''That's not true! You don't have to listen to any of that, Futaba. It's all so wrong. I can't imagine how hard it's been for you but this doesn't have to go on, don't believe them.''
''That's why you contacted us, isn't it? You know something's wrong, we can change that. That's also why you need to let us do so.'' Mona added.
''You haven't done anything wrong, so you shouldn't blame yourself. If anything, they're the ones who messed up here. Have some faith in us.'' Makoto requested.
''Futaba, please...'' Namine stepped up. ''...I know it's hard but the fact that you desire this change is good. Don't give up yet. What do you really want to do?''
''I...'' The Shadow stiffened as the voices played out again.
'What a monster.'
'That's right, you should have died instead.'
''...That's right. I killed my mother so...'' Shadow Futaba started. ''...I don't have the right to live.'' A shrill shriek sounded out, startling everyone. ''My mother exists here. I will remain here. I will do so until I die.''
''Don't say that!'' Ann started.
''What do any of you know? Go away!'' She cried out.
Just then, a wave of force pushed the group back far away from her, the shadow disappeared right then.
''What's happening?'' Yusuke tried to step forward but it was like something was repelling them. They could hardly so mucha s take a step forward.
The area began to shake, Mona had a bad feeling as the force keeping them away was getting stronger ''This isn't going anywhere, we better leave before she makes things worse!''
''Eh? But...'' Panther started.
''There's no choice,'' The feline insisted. ''Futaba's the Ruler, remember? She's determined to keep us away. Who knows what else might happen because of that. Joker!''
Their leader nodded back ''Let's go...this is all we can do for the moment.''
The group headed away from the Sakuras' home, taking all of what they learned in...
Ryuji frowned at a TV screen in a nearby shop as it displayed news about Medjed and the Phantom Thieves ''Damn, what was that about? She asks us to come and then she does this?''
''There's no point wondering about it. We'll just have to reach out to her somehow.'' Makoto remarked.
''Agreed. I'd say this just means there's more to Futaba than meets the eye.'' Yusuke stated.
''Sounds about right.'' Morgana agreed.
''This is turning out to be some summer, huh?'' Ann exhaled.
Ryuji grinned ''No kidding, I mean here we are, fighting world class hackers and looking for treasures in pyramids!''
She spared him a look ''Would you take this seriously? We're being threatened.''
His response that he had no intention of letting anyone bring his mood down at the moment ''Yeah, yeah, I know.'' His eyes narrowed as he remembered the voices, missing Ann's surprise "No way I wouldn't take it seriously after the crap we heard."
"Indeed, little wonder Futaba is so wary of people if this is what she had to face." Yusuke made no effort to hide his disgust. They might have seen some terrible people but this was truly a new low.
Namine's fists were clenched tight as she nodded. Morgana sighed "I understand your anger. Hearing the story from Boss was one thing but...that?"
"We might have only found about this because of Medjed but it doesn't matter. We have to save her." Makoto declared. "People have let her down for far too long. We won't be among that number."
"You bet, Futaba-chan has every right to live and we have to show her that." Ann couldn't help thinking of Shiho.
She wouldn't let anyone go through that again.
Looking at Morgana settling near the boys made her move to another matter that was bothering her.
"By the way, don't think I forgot what you perverts tried before.''
Yusuke and Morgana stiffened, she couldn't help noting that the former was particularly avoiding Namine's eye. Come to think of it, hadn't he been focused on her at the time?
As for Ryuji...
''Aw, shut up! It was a nice view...''
''Way to prove her point.'' Makoto deadpanned while Namine sighed.
''Oh, he can't do anything about that. Just to be clear, you can expect some good payback.'' Ann asserted.
Ryuji really didn't want to imagine what sort of revenge she could dish out. ''A-anyway, we can still pull this is off before the time limit, right?''
It was a transparent attempt to change the subject and they all knew it. Morgana just rolled his eyes ''Could you be more obvious? It does serve you right. I, being a gentleman, didn't look.''
''It's not like you could back then.'' Namine reminded, pointing out the fact that he had been transformed.
''Isn't it more like he had a better chance then?'' Ann wondered.
Morgana stiffened for a moment ''Uh...well, I...I don't know...''
''That's a pretty clear answer, Morgana.''
The cat lowered his head at Namine's words, conceding the point. ''Sorry...''
The girl decided to let up at that. After all, he at least tried to apologize, which was more than could be said for some others. ''Anyway, I guess we'll just have to take it slowly. Trying to force things would likely just make it all even worse for Futaba.''
''Right. I'd say she dealt with enough pushy people already. If we do this, we should do it right.'' Makoto stated.
''We can pull it off, no doubt.'' Morgana insisted.
''I concur. It's certainly hard to stomach letting things end differently.'' Yusuke remarked.
''Yeah, we've got this!'' The team nodded to Ann.
This might have proved to be a setback in the end but they weren't to be deterred just like that. It would not be easy but they would fulfill their goals of saving Futaba and stopping Medjed. None of them had a speck of doubt there.
Well, I'll stop here.
I honestly intended to add more but this seems like a pretty good point to end the chapter. All in all, how was it?
Considering the changes I already put in, it just didn't feel like I could just take the canon route and leave it at that so here we are. With Futaba's situation as is, I don't know about hurrying things up and I kind of wanted to include some other stuff besides the Palace. Since she stood up for him with Sae, Sojiro's also showing faith in her by agreeing to let Namine talk to Futaba. Namine's parents have made their stance clear that night so it really has been Yuri and Itsuki's support that helped her make it through the trouble before she arrived to the city. It's just another reason she wants to help Sojiro and Futaba. It will be expanded on somewhat later but Namine will keep visiting Futaba to try and reach out to her and I'll have their talk explained to everyone soon, I just couldn't fit it well with this chapter.
Ah...well, that's all I can think of now but if there's any questions, feel free to ask. I hope you like it. Thanks for reading!
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)