Vangran: Thanks. Yeah, it kinda seemed like the Phantom Thieves took things a little too lightly at times so I also felt that Namine addressing the possible consequences of their actions was important. The stakes are getting higher, that shouldn't be ignored.
I have three ideas regarding Namine's parents, I'm just not sure which one to use yet. I might even use another one entirely. It depends on how I develop the story. But you can be sure that they're really going to get it when the times comes.
Defender31415: Thank you. You're sort of right, Okumura's change of heart would affect a bunch of things but remember Suwabe and the principal? Since the thieves can't exactly prove it wasn't them, they're still suspects. Also, it's not like the police are just going to give up on dealing with them yet. I have a different reason in the works regarding Sae's palace. That actually has to do with why I changed the judgement arcana events. Sad to say, the PT's rep is definitely going to get damaged, the Anti Social Force isn't about to just take their success lying down.
Since they had reached the treasure, the Phantom Thieves got together in Takuto's office to finalize their plans for the upcoming heist...
''So we've agreed? We make sure the Shadow returns to the real self before we leave?'' Morgana received several nods.
This line of conversation had been started thanks to Takuto, who had raised a point none of them considered. A change of heart wasn't an instant process and given what he learned from them, anything could happen until a Shadow returned to their real world selves, thus leading to Morgana's suggestion.
''Good call there, what made you think of that?'' Ann wanted to know.
''It was actually something about Madarame's behavior. Looking back, he seemed awfully scared...he was convinced we worked with the Black Mask, right? I can't help but think he wouldn't have been that way without good cause. What if the Black Mask had been able to go around freely in the Palace? I know it's just a guess but we can't discount it.''
''True, we're effectively flying blind here. I'd imagine the criminal has a Nav as well- that person also has much experience, we must be ready for anything.'' Yusuke stated.
''Yeah, hell for all we know that bastard might've actually been in one of the Palaces the same time as us...'' Ryuji held back a shudder ''...anyway, nice going, Mona. This'll definitely help.''
The cat merely gave a happy purr, registering Ann and Futaba eyeing them strangely ''...What?''
''...Look at them get along.'' The hacker mumbled.
''I know, it's weird.'' Ann blinked. ''...Are we sure they haven't been hit on their heads or something? Sensei, you said you're good with first aid. Maybe you can tell if they're concussed or something/''
''Oh, come on!'' Both cried out
Makoto's smile grew laughter ensued ''Well, I much prefer that over their usual spats. It is something to get used to though...'' She tilted her head a little. ''...anyway, Futaba-you mentioned an idea you had this morning?''
''Oh yeah!'' The girl perked up. ''I was thinking, what if we handle the Calling Card a little differently?''
''How do you mean?''
''Well, hearing about Kaneshiro's heist gave me an idea. It's risky but...what if we leave the Calling Card in the Palace?''
The suggestion threw everyone for a loop. Did that mean she wanted to make sure Shadow Okumura saw it instead of his real world self?
''Futaba, that's genius!'' Namine exclaimed ''The Calling Cards do make an impact on the targets here but there's no reason the Shadows won't be affected in the same way. Right?'' She added, looking at Morgana.
''...Actually...'' The cat thought it over. ''...I never looked at it like that before but...it could definitely work.''
Takuto began to smile ''Yeah, it's best to exercise as much secrecy as possible. It's clear that Sugimura refusing his deal and our progress in the Palace has shaken his Shadow. This could be the final nail in the coffin.''
''Totally. You go, Futaba!'' Ann patted the girl's head, receiving a happy hum.
''Well, it's not fully certain yet but we can check to be safe. Inari, you can make a whole bunch of cards, right?''
''Yes, Haru gave me the Calling Card earlier. Just leave that to me. Morgana can confirm whether the plan works or not, correct?''
''That'll be a cinch.'' Morgana smiled. They could easily pop in to make sure the Calling Card worked. Sure, it was risky but the entire situation was dangerous. Doubt and hesitation would only be problematic at this point. ''I'd say we're set then, Namine.''
The leader nodded ''It's settled then. We know what to do, let's just get all we need together and we'll kick things off once the cards are set."
Namine, Morgana and Haru walked down a street, having just fetched the medicine for the team...
''I must admit, having a plan is rather reassuring but I'm still nervous.'' Haru confessed.
''It just means you really want this to work.'' Morgana offered. ''I don't think any of us are going into this without their own concerns. Not really.''
''You can say that again. Still, that's what our preparations are for. We're giving this a hundred and ten percent after.'' Namine reminded.
It wasn't long before they ran into a familiar face, Hifumi. The shogi champion was quick to greet her friends, all pleased to see each other.
''You're going to have katsu curry?'' Haru recalled something from the trip ''So you have a match coming up, Hifumi-chan?''
''Yes. This is actually...''
Hifumi trailed off, noticing a young woman passing by. Haru and Morgana followed her line of sight, seeing the woman's expression twisting in distaste. ''You again.''
''...Hello, I hope your match went well today.'' She lowered her head a little, missing the woman's confused look.
''What're you talking about? Today's our day off.''
Hifumi blinked before looking away ''...My apologies, I forgot that there aren't any matches scheduled for today.''
''Hanging out with friends? Hmph, how nice for you. I shouldn't be surprised. You ARE a famous shogi player after all. Well, I won't intrude, bye.''
Morgana blinked at the sudden bitter tone ''What's her problem?''
Namine didn't miss how Hifumi seemed to be expecting this, which drove her to ask ''I'm guessing that's usual?''
''Ah...'' Hifumi closed her eyes for a moment, resigned. ''...that was one of my seniors. I recently defeated her in a match. It seems the number of enemies I get rises along with the attention I'm gathering. It's something I've grown used to...I'm sorry, she was only cold to you because of me. She's generally friendly to others.''
But Namine shook her head ''It's not something you should apologize for.''
''Thank you.'' Hifumi's expression seemed pensive. ''Perhaps it's odd to compare myself to them, but I wonder if it's the same for the Phantom Thieves. People are so divided about them on the internet, some hate them, some love them. I can't help but see similarities between us.'' She looked back at her friends ''''What do the two of you think about them?''
''I believe in them.'' Namine shrugged. '''ve never cared much for the public opinion but they're doing good out there. That shouldn't be ignored.''
''I think so as well.'' Haru agreed. ''Not everyone can speak up about what troubles them, the Phantom Thieves defend people those who are being oppressed. Besides...they've really helped me out recently.''
Hifumi looked curious ''How so?''
''Ah...it's a long story.'' The heiress' thoughts came to a halt when they happened t catch sight of the senior entering a building, sparing them one last disdainful look before storming away.
Hifumi exhaled ''...Mother seems to be excited over my success but...it all just feels so hollow. Father was always happy to tell me about his old days with the shogi tournaments. He never cared for the fame or what came with it, he was proud to have come so far. I thought I might find that same sense of fulfillment and yet...'' Their concerned expressions made the guilt rise in her gut ''...I-I'm sorry, I didn't wa...''
''None of that now.'' Namine cut in. ''I'm glad you feel comfortable enough with us to share any of that. You shouldn't have to keep it all to yourself.''
''Yes. Since we're all here, why don't we go for lunch together, Hifumi-chan?'' Haru suggested.
''You said you've grown used to having enemies-well, let's make sure you're also used to having friends, okay?'' Namine added kindly.
Hifumi began to smile as she nodded, letting the girls lead her to the closest restaurant...
The three girls took some time to eat and chat, with Haru briefly telling Hifumi about the situation with Sugimura...
''You mean people knew what he was like and yet...?'' Hifumi looked appalled. ''Well, I'm glad the Phantom Thieves did something about that horrible man. You certainly deserve much better than that, Haru-chan. Did you...?''
''I didn't post the request.'' Haru's gaze darkened as she thought of what they learned that day ''Sugimura, he...hurt someone else very badly. I saw her by chance. That person needed help from the Phantom Thieves, that's why they knew about him.'' Hijiri was the reason her friends found out about her ex-fiance's true nature but learning about Haru's predicament served as all the more motivation to deal with him.
''I see. Did your father...does he know?'' Hifumi put in ''Now that I think back...some of what you said during the trip...''
''I know what you mean but I intend to find out. I'd rather not speculate until I get the facts from him.''
Haru couldn't tell her everything even if they hadn't all just agreed to be secretive about their next heist. It was best to minimize any change of the information getting out after all. The trouble was, most of what she knew about this came from Sugimura's shadow so she wanted to find out what her father had to say. ''It won't be easy but it's just something I have to deal with.''
''Things may be bad but there's no reason they can't work past this point.'' As much as President Okumura got on her nerves, Namine knew Haru had been very close to her father for years. Thus, she tried to respect the girl's feelings on the matter and refrained from badmouthing him too much. ''It depends on them most of all.''
''I understand...you're amazing, Haru-chan.'' Hifumi's statement confused the girl ''When I think about having to do something like that, I...''
She stopped as two phones rang out, seeing her friends take out their phones. ''It's from Mako-chan...'' Haru blinked at the message, which had been sent to a group chat which also included Ann.
NM: I was just with Eiko. She still keeps fawing over Tsukasa and she's insistent that he's completely trustworthy. But I can't shake the feeling that something's off and she still believes that I'm only being stubborn. Even worse, she's starting to accuse me of wanting to ruin her happiness...am I really in the wrong here?
TA: Of course not! I remember that time we saw him. That guy was nothing but a slimy creep. I don't know who your friend thinks she's kidding but it's plain as day to me.
Namine remembered that time too, they had just been on their way to get together with Shiho when they found the couple. There was just something about Tsukasa that really rubbed them the wrong way. She took a moment to explain things to a confused Hifumi while the chat went on.
OH: Well, I haven't seen him but I think it's simple. You haven't found anything to put your doubts at rest, right, Mako-chan? I don't think this should be dismissed all together.
HN: Yeah, there's nothing conclusive yet. If you feel so strongly about it, than it's worth something. You're trying to help her, Makoto. There's nothing wrong with wanting what's best for Takao-san, even if she doesn't see it.
NM: That's just what I was thinking. But the more I try to talk to her about this...Eiko's convinced that I don't know anything about love so she wouldn't even consider my advice. It had me thinking...should I fake a relationship to try to get through to her?
TA: Bad idea. I mean, I see where you're coming from but the lying's just not worth it. It'll just do more harm than good.
HN: There has to be a better way about this. You see Takao-san plenty, right? Keeping something like this is just problematic, it would really harm your friendship if the truth comes out. I doubt she'd accept the lies.
OH: I think so too. Besides, you said it yourself-you're not a very good liar. Would you really be okay with this?
NM: Well...no, but...
HN: Oh, Hifumi's with us, she agrees that it's not worth the risk. What if Takao-san is pushed closer to Tsukasa because of it? She's so stubborn about this relationship, it'll take some good evidence to make her change her mind. Let's just stop and think about it. It's best not to rush these things.
TA: We'll figure this out, okay? Let's see what we can do.
NM: Yes, thank you.
Hifumi spoke up once the chat was over ''I've heard a little about the hosts in Shinjuku. Mother warned me about going there-she's convinced that they target naive and desperate girls. Is this why Makoto-chan's worried?''
''Probably, I think the main problem is that Takao-san hardly knows much of anything about Tsukasa but she's still convinced that she loves him and that's what matters.'' Namine had the idle thought that Eiko fit the categories well.
''Her father investigated people like that. Apparently, there were many who took advantage of girls in Shinjuku. And...'' Haru's lips thinned ''...I wish Takao-san wouldn't be so stubborn though. Mako-chan worries because she cares.''
Namine couldn't agree more. Eiko was more than a little thoughtless to their friend. ''Well, we're going to figure this out. Let's see what happens then.''
''Well, I'm not sure what I can do. But I'd like to help as well.'' Hifumi gave a small smile in response to their gratitude. She didn't know Eiko but the other girls were her friends. That was enough reason for her. ''I wonder-about your need for information. What if...?''
A while later, the girls made to head their seperate ways. Hifumi turned to her friends with a smile ''Thank you for today, I haven't had this much fun since the trip.''
Haru beamed ''I'm glad to hear it.''
''Same. We were happy to have you. We've gotta make more times like this to hang out, okay?'' Namine added.
Hifumi's smile widened ''Yes, that sounds like an excellent suggestion. I look forward to it.''
Morgana poked his head out the bag as they made their way through Shinjuku ''I know that you want to get some info but isn't this rushing things?''
''What Hifumi said gave me an idea. We really should look through all this from different angles. Well, I realized we could find a pretty reliable source of information here.''
''What do you...?'' The cat blinked upon realizing they had reached Crossroads. ''...ohhh, I get it...''
Lala blinked when she saw Namine ''Oh, Hyakuya-chan? You have another meeting with Ichiko-chan?''
A headshake ''I'm here to see you, actually. There was something I want to talk to you about.''
''Oh? Well, I'm all ears.''
Lala's expression was pensive at the end of the explanation ''...Well, some of the hosts I know aren't nearly as bad as the talk goes but that still could be a problem. Shinjuku still has its bad rep for a reason after all.''
''That's exactly why we're trying to look into this. Makoto's worried more because her dad worked to stop those kind of people but there might still be more out and about.''
''True...Hm, tell you what-given what you've done so far, I can look into it.'' Lala offered.
''Really?''
''Sure, we can't go letting the poor girl fall with those kind of scum. I've got some decent connections, I'll see what I can find. Tell your friend to keep an eye on the girl and I'll get back to you.'' Lala returned.
Namine looked relieved ''Thank you, Lala-san.''
''Heh, don't worry about it, kiddo.''
Namine went to the gym to train with Ryuji. The boy took the time to tell her about his last encounter with the track team...
''And then Takeishi was complaining about me still making him look bad or something.'' Ryuji went on with a snort. ''Even though he's the one who just had to try challenging me to that stupid run. Nakaoka and I agree that seeing someone fast could be good for the team, they can definitely go faster. It was just like when our Senpai was there. You always get that satisfaction when you come out on top and especially when you prove people wrong about you...''
''Boys.'' Namine rolled her eyes. ''You just said you guys were having fun-how'd it wind up like that? Why does everything have to be a compeition with you lot?''
''Dunno, guess it's just natural.''
''So were you okay? I mean, I know you're much better off with running than before but your leg...'' The girl trailed off.
''Oh, that? Nothin' to worry about. The guys know, remember? They're not gonna push it.'' Ryuji leaned back against a wall. ''So hey, I've been thinking...I was really focusing on our team's work like nothing else but-how do I say it...maybe I've been looking at things the wrong way...''
The girl began to smile ''Like you know there's more to life, there's more you want?''
''Exactly!''
''That's great.'' Namine's smile grew ''Mona and I talked about it, how sometimes you were always so focused on the team that you'd block out other stuff. We agreed it was worrying but we weren't sure what to do. What made you change your mind?''
''Well...that'd be you and Ann.'' Ryuji admitted, surprising her. ''Seeing how Ann worked so hard, how it paid off and she became a big shot model was awesome. She really was shining like a star. And then there was how you got back into music after everything-how you're already looking to learn more about it and even get better at it. That's really cool. Watching how you two came along...well, that kinda stuff's really inspiring, y'know?''
''That's nice to hear. And hey, you seem to be doing pretty well, maybe it'll be you running track out there someday.''
He chuckled ''I dunno about that...it sure sounds nice though. Heh, not like I can give up track for good. I'll figure somethin' out.''
A short while later, Namine was approached by the twins, who wanted her to take them to Inokashira park...
Caroline huffed ''Your ideas are really boring, Justine. I'll choose the place next time.''
Her twin chuckled ''My, I never expected this...'' Caroline blinked ''...you seem to be looking forward to spending time with our Inmate.''
''W-what?!'' The girl spluttered, her face growing warm. ''Where did you get that idea?! It's definitely not true!''
Justine merely smiled while Namine, who was also used to this sort of reaction, didn't even blink ''Well, I like those spontaneous hangouts with you two anyway.''
''You better be grateful we're even spending time with you, Inmate!'' Caroline returned.
Justine shook her head in fond exasperation as the girl marched away, deciding not to remind her sister that Namine was doing this as a favor to them. ''By the way, Inmate-I believe humans have a name for my sister's behavior...I overheard the word on one of our previous excursions. Hm, tsu...no, tsunda...''
''Tsundere.'' Namine corrected, amused. ''And you'd be right, that fits Caroline to a tee.''
Caroline raised an eye as they watched the boats, listening to one of the people nearby ''...Couples would break up if they ride those boats? As if. Humans always seem to believe stupid stuff like that.''
''Yes, I've heard of statements like that myself. They never seem to have any purpose.'' Justine mused.
''Superstitions can come off as pretty ridiculous.'' Namine remarked. ''Like there's those really old ones, people say that you get seven years of bad luck if you break a mirror and then there's something about how black cats are a bad omen. I never understood the point of those myself.''
''Then at least you have some sense...'' Caroline noticed a couple recoil from the boat area, seemingly unnerved. It didn't take a genius to figure out the reason. ''...seriously?''
''I suppose we'll just have to chalk this up as another mystery of humankind.'' Her sister shrugged ''By the way, Inmate, Caroline seems to have loved those crepes you bought for us...''
''H-hey, you loved them too, Justine!''
''I was getting to that.'' Justine returned calmly. ''And yes, I'm not about to deny having enjoyed them myself. I was going to ask to get some for you because I highly suspect you're never going to do it. In fact, I'd be rather shocked if you would.''
Caroline glared back while Namine shook her head, the short tempered girl really was too easy to tease. ''Moving on then, sure we can find some-help me look for a stand.''
She went with the twins to the Velvet Room afterwards, taking time to prepare her Personas. The girl closed the Persona Compendium and handed it to Justine ''That should be everything.''
Namine looked from one twin to another ''So about what I asked before...what do you think?''
''About the cards?'' Caroline went on when she nodded. ''I think you guys are on to something. There's no way to know for sure...it's not like anyone tried something like this. Bottom line is, I don't see why it wouldn't work.''
''I'd have to agree.'' Her sister chimed in. ''As you explained earlier, all that's required is to make an impact enough to materialize the treasure-this could certainly be effective. I believe it's the best choice, in fact. You're wise to pursue secrecy in such troubled times.''
That was a relief. She had a good feeling about their idea but it was reassuring to hear this from the wardens, who had more experience with the Metaverse than all of them put together.
''Ah, Inmate-I'd like to give you some advice as thanks for today.'' Justine admitted.
''Advice?''
''Yes, about your special power...given what I've come to learn, I think this may help you improve it.''
Well, let's stop here.
What do you think? With the preparations out of the way, the next chapter will the change of heart. I've been trying to set it up so the PT would consider many possibilities. They don't know what's going on just yet but Hakuba pretty much implied that anything could happen to Okumura's shadow because of the organization. Given that and the presence of the Black Mask, they're trying to avoid bringing any attention to the coming heist. As I mentioned before, given how little they know about him, they can't just assume anything.
So I'm going to make the plan start off like with Kaneshiro, with the team spreading the Calling Cards around the Palace to make sure Okumura's Shadow sees them. I thought about it a lot and I don't see any reason why it shouldn't work. The idea about Ryuji occured to me while I was writing the chapter so I went for it. Seeing how far his friends were coming along wound up inspiring him too so it opened his eyes in a way.
Well, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 7)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank Max)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank 9)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 6)
Igor (Aeon Rank 5)
Sakura Sojiro (Hierophant Rank 6)
Mishima Yuuki (Moon Rank 7)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank Max)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 7)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 6)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 6)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 7)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 4)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 4)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 4)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 5)
Togo Hifumi (Star Rank 4)
Iwai Munehisa(Hanged Man Rank 2)
Sakura Futaba (Hermit Rank 3)
Nijima Sae (Judgement Rank 2)
Maruki Takuto (Councillor Rank 1)