Defender31415: Thanks, glad you liked it. I was planning on changing things around even if I followed canon plenty before. Circe and Pluto's roles are going to be revealed eventually. Also, I have a different plan regarding the Velvet Room but it's something for later.
Vangran: Actually, you make a good point. I haven't really looked at it like that before but it really doesn't make sense that Okumura's Shadow was the only one who didn't disappear after his treasure was taken. Futaba was a special case but it really is weird. I'm not sure what made you think Circe and Pluto were talking about Yu actually...
Leaving Mercurius to the end really was disappointing to me. I mean, Mona learned plenty around this time and it was a chance for him to grow and prove his strength. I couldn't think of a better time to use him.
A couple of days passed since President Okumura's change of heart but nothing seemed to come of it yet. Haru had kept a close eye on the situation, reporting that her father was simply rather quiet and keeping to himself, even she had never seen him like this before. This had come as a bit of a relief as due to previous experience, they knew the effect of their work was setting in. But at the same time, they hadn't taken the treasure due to the chaotic battle so no one knew what to make of it.
Namine was walking down a street with Morgana, Ann, Haru, Takuto and Ryuji...
''So your father aside, has there been any issue? Like with Sugimura's family for instance?'' Takuto wanted to know.
''Actually...'' Haru's expression gave an answer on its own. ''...Sugimura came clean after we changed his heart. There were other people who knew what he was like but they were too scared. Seeing what happened to Matsuoka-san, I don't blame them. Some people didn't want to believe it-his mother tried to blame me for spreading stories about him.''
''Are you kidding me?!'' Ann verbalized their outrage ''He's the one who screws up and it's your fault?''
''It's okay, really.'' Haru put in just as Ryuji was about speak ''It didn't fly at all-hardly anybody believed her. Sugimura stopped her and apologized to me too.''
''...well, that's good.''
Namine nodded ''But if anyone gives you grief...''
''...you can get us to help, you know that, right?'' Ann finished for her.
''Yes, thank you.''
Morgana looked around the new street ''Hey, this is our stop.''
Ann took a look at the area ''Oh, we should be getting off here too. My next shoot isn't too far away...you still coming, Ryuji?''
''Yeah-we agreed, remember?''
Haru gave the two a curious look ''I was wondering-is this a usual arrangement?''
''Oh, it just started recently. Namine goes with me every now and then but Ryuji comes along when he has nothing better to do, I guess.'' Ann returned.
The teen in question gave her a look ''You don't gotta say it like that...I was just trying to help.''
''And you have been.'' Namine assured brightly. ''So would it be safe to say Ryuji's discovering his gentlemanly side, Ann?''
''Well...''
''Again, you're giving him too much credit. I can apply a bunch of words to Ryuji but gentleman definitely wouldn't be one.'' Unlike before, Morgana's comment wasn't mocking. He just genuinely couldn't picture Ryuji as a gentleman.
The boy gave him an unimpressed while the amused Takuto shook his head ''Judging by what I've heard, I'd say that wouldn't be far off from the truth.''
''Well, I think it's sweet of you to help Ann-chan.'' Haru added with a smile.
Their clear approval made his face go warm ''C-come on, don't make a big deal out of it...''
Ann's lips twitched ''They're just telling it how it is though. I told you, I was glad you guys came and I appreciate your help. Let's go.''
Takuto chuckled as Morgana's jaw dropped ''Come on, Morgana, you should give credit where it's due.''
''I think you shouldn't hold your breath on this one, Sensei.'' Namine stated.
''You can't complain if it's true, Mona-chan.'' Haru knew Morgana had changed recently but he was still too hard on Ryuji sometimes.''Shall we be on our way then?''
With Haru leaving eventually, this left the three of them to arrive at Takuto's office. Morgana kicked the conversation off by revealing how Namine was getting back into the swing of her old hobby. The girl also following up on their previous talk here, recounting the recent talk to her grandparents.
Takuto felt his spirits soar. He knew the girl loved her grandparents but it was only natural for her to feel some apprehension given her experiences. ''That's great news! It's nice to hear that you've cleared the air. They'll be coming to settle down here in a while, right?''
A nod ''They don't think they can stay in our former home. I think they're used to living in the city since they did when they were younger. I actually told them about you-they want to meet you too.''
''I'm looking forward to it.'' He placed drinks for her and Morgana. ''I have to admit-looking at Morgana just reminds me how even how ignorant I was about the Metaverse even with all the effort I put in to learn before. I would've assumed he was a Shadow at first but things clearly aren't that simple.''
''Of course not.'' The thought of being considered a Shadow was offensive to him. ''It wouldn't make any sense-besides, whoever heard of a Shadow using a Persona anyway?''
''Well, stranger things happened. But he's right, Mona, you're definitely special in more ways than one.'' Namine put in ''I guess stuff like what we've seen especially recently would really get you thinking, huh?''
''You can that again.'' Takuto leaned back. ''The more I learned about the Cognitive World, the more amazed I became. I refuse to believe that it could only be used for evil, the Phantom Thieves are living proof of how much good it can do. The circumstances that lead to this may not be the best, the same goes for the methods but there's no denying that you tried to make the best out of the situation. All because you cared enough to try-I think that's remarkable and it means a lot.''
The two were glad he was so understanding. Despite their concerns about having an adult in their team, Takuto continued to prove that he was more than trustworthy.
Apparently, he had been thinking along similar lines as his next words proved ''I know you were worried about including me but I want to put that to a stop. I definitely understand that you all have more than enough reasons to mistrust adults but like I said before, I won't waste the chance you gave me. Yet the fact that you were even willing to try, to help out others like you have been all this time is nothing short of amazing.''
''I just found that I couldn't walk away when I could help somehow.'' Namine stated with a shrug. ''I had my low points too. At first, I thought I could just lay low and try to avoid trouble but that's not me. Maybe I'm just that bad at giving up?''
Takuto thought that was oversimplifying it ''Modest as ever. From what I've seen and heard, you've more than proved your strength over time, beating the odds again and again. It sounds like no one else could've been the team's leader, for one thing.''
''Oh, that's for sure. We owe her a lot.'' Morgana knew he and the others had come to rely on Namine-he didn't think they could've mad it this far without her.
The girl half-smiled ''That goes both ways, you know. Besides, I think we've all beaten the odds in our own ways. Isn't that why we could stand up and fight when it really counts?''
Both smiled at this, acknowledging that was unchallengingly true. After all, it was this tenacity that allowed them to take off their masks and acquire their Personas.
''You definitely seem interested to keep learning, Maruki-sensei. I guess you haven't given up on your earlier goal, right?'' Namine added.
''Was I that obvious?'' He chuckled. ''Even with what was said about my plans being useless, I don't want to give up. I've learned plenty recently and knowing what I've come to know about Cognitive Psience really feels like it could help. I have no aspirations about getting my research back but I don't want to let things end like this either. I really want to keep using all I've learned to help people.''
''That's good. I think Yusuke called it right, we could use more people like you out there.''
''Thank you. Although, I'm just talking it up now...I have no idea how I'm supposed to go about this but I still want to make it work somehow.'' Takuto admitted.
Namine's smile grew ''Great, you definitely have the right idea. You'll have us to help for sure.''
''Yeah...'' He may known the team for a short while but they were already treating him like a good friend. "...that means a lot."
On their way back to Leblanc, Namine and Morgana ran into Yusuke...
''I guess he's people-watching again.''
Morgana's comment brought the artist's attention to the duo ''Ah, hello you two.''
''Hey, looks like you've been busy.'' Namine returned, noting his sketchbook.
Morgana looked over her shoulder to see the drawing he'd been working on ''Oh, that looks good!''
''Thank you. Before I'd even realized it, I was taken with the urge.'' Yusuke glanced at the drawing. ''I may have gotten carried away though. I thought it might prove to be an ideal piece but it seems...lackluster.''
''Really?'' The feline thought otherwise but Yusuke likely held to higher standards.
Namine appeared pensive ''...Did you have fun? How did you feel while you were working on it? Were you having fun?''
''I was...'' He was surprised to note. ''...I found an image and I wanted to capture. It almost felt like the way I used to be before...''
''Isn't that good enough?'' She tilted her head a bit. ''I mean, you said you missed this feeling before-just the pure happiness from doing what you like. There was no reason to worry over your slump or anything, right? Even if you didn't find what you were hoping for yet, this is still progress.''
Initially taken aback, Yusuke chuckled a moment later ''...You may be right about that. I was so preoccupied with the results that I never looked at it that way...''
''It can help to get a new perspective.'' Morgana piped up.
''Indeed.'' He returned, Namine's perspective was something he was certainly coming to rely on.
Yusuke was about to thank the girl when he heard a loud grunt to their right. A young woman was standing near a music store, watching as a delivery man settled a guitar on a podium. ''There, it's fixed. That's what Fujitaka wanted.''
''...I wonder about that...'' Namine muttered.
He gave her a curious look as she seemed to give the guitar a critical once over ''What do you mean?''
She hadn't realized she'd verbalized the thought but explained anyway ''...I'm not fully sure since I'm just looking it over from here but I've seen guitar parts up close. Grandpa helped me fix one up before. If I'm right...this guy's getting scammed.''
Apparently, the delivery man had heard them too ''What's that mean? Mind your own business. You don't know what you're talking about.''
The young woman raised an eye ''You're awfully touchy...'' She gave him a shrewd look. ''...hm, kid? Come here a sec.'' Namine walked over as the former came over with the guitar. ''It sounds like you could use a closer look-how's this?''
Surprised as he was of the sudden words, Morgana didn't fail to note the delivery man's clear worry. Namine took a moment to examine the instrument. ''...I thought so. It looks good on the surface but this work's actually kind of flimsy. For one thing, the string doesn't look like it'll last long. Plus, this handle seems like it'll be hard to use.''
The young woman hummed ''I had my doubts about the handle but I never even noticed the string-you've got a real good eye.''
''Hey, wait a...!'' The delivery man started to protested.
''I'd have to agree.'' A man came out of the store, frowning at him. ''This is definitely not what I asked for. My friend assured that I could rely on your company's works but this is unacceptable. I won't be taking that-you can tell your boss to expect a call from me soon.''
''But I can't just go back...what do I do...?''
The young woman glared, shoving the guitar in his arms ''Figure it out.''
As he walked away, the man looked at Namine ''Thank you, young lady. That was a big help.''
''Oh, it was nothing. I've been around some instruments since I was little so I guess something just stood out to me.'' She glanced at the store through the window. ''That's a nice place you've got.''
''Isn't it? Come on in.'' The young woman smiled ''Uncle Fuji just reopened the place last week. We dealt with that company before but they were nothing but trouble-I actually thought they might have changed for the better but that was clearly too optimistic.''
''Well, let's be glad it all worked out for the best. Ah, sorry-my name's Konno Fujitaka, that's my niece Asuka.''
The girl introduced herself and her friends in return, Asuka then spoke up ''So I guess judging by your experience-you're a fellow music lover, huh, kiddo?''
A nod ''I've been learning all I can for years. I stopped for a while but I've been getting some practice when I can.''
Both looked on in growing interest ''Then, would you mind playing for us? It's easy to see you're experienced but I have to admit, I'm curious about your skills.''
''I guess that's okay...'' The girl stopped to think, wondering what she should do.
Yusuke got the ball rolling ''How about you try singing?''
''Well, if that works...'' She looked at Fujitaka, who nodded. ''...all right then!''
The following day, at school...
Namine was with Ann as they headed to the student council's office to see Makoto, with the former regaling the latter about the event.
''Heeh, so what did they say after the song?'' The model asked, though she had a good guess.
''Well...'' Her friend began to smile. ''...they were really nice-saying I did great and all...''
''I knew it!'' Ann smiled. ''And then?''
''They said I could come practice when I want and Asuka-san said I can work part-time there.''
''Looks like there's more people who appreciate talent when they see it.'' Ann put in brightly. ''Now...''
Namine raised an eye at the sudden pause ''Ann?'' Curious, she followed the girl's line of sight to find Kawakami leaving the nurse's office. Neither missed how weary she appeared or that Akie was watching her with clear concern. That was clearly for good reason, even from here, she looked worn-out.
''Hyakuya, Takamaki!''
The girls looked back to see Ushimaru walking over, frowning ''Have you seen Kawakami-san?''
''She just went downstairs.'' The latter offered ''She looked exhausted, Sensei. Why'd she even come today?''
He sighed ''We tried to find out but she refuses to say a thing. It took me a while to convince her not to worry about lessons today and actually get some rest.''
''Oh...we were supposed to have a class with her.'' Namine looked back in the direction Kawakami had taken. ''Here's to hoping she does get some rest...''
After school, Namine went over to Untouchable...
''Hurry up and learn this stuff, kid. You've gotta be able to start lookin' like a normal employee.'' Iwai stated. ''I'm s'pposed to be runnin' an honorable buisness here, y'know...though honestly the customers've been runnin' a little thin lately.''
The girl blinked ''They have?''
''It's because of some on the internet claimin' all my goods're knocks off.'' He said with a frown. ''And once you've got a bad rep like that, it's real tough to shake it.''
''Hmm...that's actually true even outside buisnesses.'' Namine knew the feeling all too well.
''Speaking from experience?'' She nodded but didn't say more. ''Figures...guess you wouldn't be doin' any of this if you weren't, huh...Don't feel like you have to gimme any details though. I don't wanna know.''
Namine had honestly expected otherwise. But in a way, she was glad-she wasn't really feeling up to explaining this again...
''Anyway, I should prolly fill you in on what's goin' on here since you'll be helpin' me out. I'd bet anythin' the guy behind the rumor is Tsuda.''
''The one you were talking about back in the diner?'' She clarified.
''Exactly. Truth is, he's a lieutanant in the Hashiba Clan. The same clan I was in...back when I was part of the yakuza.'' He gave her a speculative look ''What, nothing to say about that?''
''About you being former yakuza?'' The girl tilted her head. ''I mean, I wasn't expecting something like but I don't mind. I don't see what that has to do with us now-or why it should change things.''
Iwai's lips twitched ''Fair enough. That makes this all the more easier. Anyways, Tsuda was my sworn brother back in the clan. I got some...unsavory buisness goin' down with him now though. Problem is, I'm a known quantity in the underworld. One bad step and I'd have guys crawlin' all over me. That why you're here. You look normal but you've got guts, kid. Makes you perfect for snoopin' on Tsuda.'' Iwai paused. ''...Hope I ain't scarin' you off with all this talk.''
She shook her head ''We made a deal, didn't we?''
''Heh, guess I should've known...Anyways, you get the gist of what's goin' on now, yeah? You'll be workin' with that in mind. I expect a lot from you kid.'' The man remarked. ''Oh and I'll be adding to the special menu, to thank you for gettin' that info for me the other day.''
''H-hello...''
Iwai started, Namine missing the recognition in his gaze as she turned back to the newcomer ''Huh...? I thought I told you to stop comin' here.'' But he fidgeted a little, mumbling something about wanting to help ''It's fine, I've got it handled.''
The boy clearly wanted to press on but he seemed to think better of it, leaving after a last glance back.
Namine figured Iwai must have noticed the question in her gaze ''That's Kaoru. My son. He's always askin' me if he can help out here, always worryin' about what I'm gettin' up to.'' He sighed ''But I prolly shouldn't be tellin' a kid like you about this...Anyways, you can head back for today. Nice work, kid.''
''Thanks...'' Namine picked her bag. ''...you know, I'm meeting my friends tomorrow to go to a carnival. It's actually close by-Kaoru-kun seemed kind of down, maybe it could help cheer him up?''
''There's an idea...so, where's this carnival happening?''
It was right after that when Namine got a text from Futaba. Apparently, the girl wanted to go to Harajuku-having not been there in a long time. On her way over, the girl encountered Akechi, who happened to be heading in the same direction...
Perking up to find her key item arriving, she certainly hadn't expected to see Akechi coming along. ''What're you doing here?''
''I heard about the situation so I thought I could help. If you recall, I did promise the other day.''
Come to think of it, he offered his aid when they had lunch in Leblanc together. She honestly hadn't known what to make of that. It just reminded her that he really was nicer than he seemed to be on the first impression. ''O-oh, yeah...''
''So, you ready to go?'' Namine inquired.
The hacker reminded herself to focus. As always, Namine's presence was so reassuring, leading her to believe that she could do this. ''Yup!''
Futaba shrunk closer to the two teens as they continued to traverse the streets of Harajuku ''Man...I don't remember it being this crowded. I don't know if I can do this...''
Akechi had heard about her social anxiety but this was worse than anything he'd imagined. It made him understand how much damage Sae could've caused if her plans involving the Sakuras had gone through. Just the thought of the poor girl being forced back to the relatives who caused this was appalling...
Namine patted her shoulder ''Hey, relax, you're doing better. You've been making strides lately.''
''You think so? But I messed up in school and in Akihabara...and look at me now...'' Futaba pointed out.
''So? Everyone can have their setbacks-what's important is that you keep trying.''
''R-right...I just wanna be a normal human, Namine...'' She mumbled, looking down.
''I've got your back. I'm your key item, remember?'' The hacker couldn't help nodding happily ''We're all going to help-you just have to remember not to give up.''
''Yeah-I'll give it a try!''
Akechi half-smiled ''That's the spirit. You know, Futaba-chan, it looks like the problem is that you were so nervous you never really looked around, that's why you're bumping into people.''
''Oh...you really think that's why?''
''Sounds about right.'' Namine offered ''You did pretty good with me and Shiho at the mall, remember? Think of this as something similar.''
''Just walk around and keep a good eye out. Eventually, you'll see that there's nothing to fear.'' Akechi advised.
''W-was it really that simple?...Guys, I wanna try again! I'll definitely do better this time!'' Futaba declared.
''Atta girl, you got this!'' Namine cheered, the detective smiling as they followed her.
Futaba happily surveyed a store that held both comics and manga, though her attention was all on its Featherman merchandise. ''Oh, this is brilliant! They're going to get some new figures soon. Look...'' She pointed to a poster on the wall. ''...it'll be the ones I want!''
Namine raised an eye at the poster ''Hey, those look like...aren't they the ones in your room?''
''Yeah, but that jerk Inari ruined two of them. They were never the same since. Remember when he switched their heads around and messed with their poses?''
''Oh, right...'' She nodded, smiling as she added. ''...well, I guess we'll be coming back to make up for it, won't we?''
''Mmhm!'' Futaba beamed, having been about to ask her just that.
The girl noticed Akechi looking around with interest, seemingly lost in thought. ''Hey, you know about Featherman?''
''Hm? Of course. I actually watched it often...though it's been years. Some of the merchandise reminded me of those times, it's actually entertaining...'' He glanced at one of the figures. ''...oh, I remember this one. I really wanted to get it. I was saving for it for weeks...''
Futaba's eyebrows went up ''Good taste, detective. I never even thought you'd know about Featherman, let alone actually watch it...you must've been a big fan! You really keep surprising me...''
''Well, I consider that a good thing...'' Akechi gave her a dry look ''...that being said-do I even want to know what kind of person you took me to be?''
The hacker's sheepish laugh told him that the answer was probably not.
Namine shook her head in amusement. ''Okay, come on you two-how about we go and have lunch?''
Afterwards, she went to see Chihaya, wondering how the fortune teller fared after their last talk...
''Namine-chan, there's so much I want to tell you! Recently, my reputation has really started shooting up. A lot of my clients leave happy now! I even managed to use my own powers to alter some fates that once seemed inevitable...''
Namine smiled, she truly seemed proud of the work she put in-as well she should. ''That's great.''
''I suppose all you really need to change fate is a strong will, like what you have. I wish I could do more though...''
''Are you on break right now, Mifune-kun?'' A man walked over.
She stiffened ''F-Fukurai-san?!''
And just like that, the good mood was gone. Namine looked between the two, wondering just what was going on ''So are you the apprentice I've heard so much about? I've been wondering...why are you interested in Mifune-kun?''
''It just started out as checking out a rumor and I decided to help afterwards. Chihaya-san's obviously good at her work.'' Namine returned honestly.
''Indeed.'' A smile ''I have to commend your judgement in choosing Mifune-kun. Her fortunes are like a light, guiding lost lambs through the unending darkness ahead.''
Aforementioned fortune teller began to explain ''By the way, Hyakuya-san...this man here is Fukurai-san. He's um...the chairman of the ADP.''
''ADP?''
This made Chihaya pause ''Oh, right-I never got around to telling you. It standss for...''
But Fukurai himself answered ''Assembly of the Divine Power. Our goal is to relieve the hearts and minds of today's weary souls via healing events and seminars.''
''Wow, that sounds nice...''
''Thank you. We also sell Holy Stones, the well from which our divine power springs. They are a large part of our buisness.'' Fukurai informed.
''Fukurai-san, um...'' Chihaya began.
''That reminds me, Yokoda-kun was telling you've been acting a little...strange recently. More importantly, it seems you've started falling behind on your Holy Stones sales quotes. Is everything OK?''
''Y-Yes, I'll cover the decrease in revenue with my fortune telling fees.'' Chihaya fidgeted. ''Um, Fukurai-san...I, um, I'm not sure how effective these Holy Stones really are...''
''Excuse me?'' His eyes narrowed.
She hid a wince at his tone ''W-well...''
''Do you remember who showed you the way when you arrived from the countryside, lost and confused? Do you remember who saved you when you were stuck working in a seedy club with no place to turn to? It was me. Are you saying you no longer have trust in someone who's done so much for you?''
''Th-that's not it...'' She mumbled.
Namine's fist clenched. She knew the blonde hadn't had it easy but to think it was this bad...but the man was just forcing his opinion on her too..
Fukurai presssed on ''Then enough of this skepticism, remember who turned you into what you are today. Just focus on continuing your role as the Maiden of Relief. Read the futures of those unfortunate souls who come to us and lead them to salvation with the Holy Stones. You don't want things to go back to how they were, do you Mifune-kun?''
''How were they?'' Namine's gaze hardened, her bad impression of the man continuing to grow.
''Ah, she didn't tell you? She once broke down in front of me, saying how everyone called her a monster. If she doesn't carry her weight as the Maiden of Relief, you'll be exactly that...a monster.''
''Enough already...'' Namine cut in, standing. ''...leave her alone. Chihaya-san is most definitely not a monster!''
''Namine-chan...''
''...Fine. If you want to spend your time fooling around with this child, go right ahead. But don't forget, Mifune-kun: The ADP is the only place you'll ever belong.'' He walked away.
Chihaya started to laugh humorlessly ''I-I've never actually worked at a night club! I did get tricked into walking into one though...Anyway, the Chairman is known for exaggerating details...'' She looked down. ''...You must think I'm weird, huh? All this talk about me a maiden or a monster.''
''That maiden stuff sounds like it was his idea. After that display, I'll take anything he says with a grain of salt.'' Namine fired back ''My opinion won't change. Either way, you're just Chihaya-san to me.''
''Huh...?'' Her eyes widened. ''Nobody's ever treated me so nicely before. By the way, it was pretty amazing how we stood up to the Chairman back there. I would never have been able to talk to him about the Holy Stones had I been alone. But your strength helped me speak up, I need to be strong like you more often...''
''No one can be strong all the time. I know I'm not either.'' There's nothing wrong with needing help every now and then-no matter what anyone says. Look at what you've done lately-you put in all that effort because you care, only a really good person would do that. There's no way you're a monster.''
A smile spread across Chihaya's face ''...Thanks a lot, Namine-chan. I really appreciate that.''
The next day...
Namine and Morgana were just leaving for school when they came across Futaba outside Leblanc. But then the girl suddenly shrank and clung to Namine's back. Taken aback, both were trying to check up on her when Sojiro came to the door, having seen this as well.
''What's the matter?''
''I don't know...'' But then Futaba pointed behind them, finding none other than Sae enter the street.
Futaba's wariness was more than understandable, no one had forgotten that the prosecutor had almost made her go back to her rotten excuse of a family. But there were also at least a couple of passerby eyeing with clear distaste. Morgana quietly brought this to his friends' attention, Namine asking the question he had in mind ''...What's with them?''
''My guess is, they've seen her in action before.'' The girls looked at Sojiro ''She's pretty famous because she's good at her job...but she's also ruthless. I don't doubt they know people she might have helped put away in jail...and I'm not sure all of them deserved it.''
''Is that really how it is? It's kind of hard imagining her like that after what Makoto said...'' Futaba nodded in agreement with Morgana. Makoto was a fervent believer in justice and she made it clear Sae was the same way. It really made them wonder...
The prosecutor, noticed them Sojiro's expression made it clear that he had no intention of talking. ''If you're still set on what you said before than save it. I've got nothing to say to you and stay away from those two.''
Sae held up a hand ''I don't want any trouble, I came here since I heard about someone who had a change of heart in the area. I think I may have taken a wrong turn though...''
''So...you think it'll help your investigation?'' Namine put in.
''I'm hoping it would. Akechi-kun seems to be under the impression that learning more about the Phantom Thieves is for the best but it's ridiculous. All around are people who believe in them so much...they're criminals, yet people seem not to care at all.''
Sojiro rolled his eyes ''Well, I can't say I don't understand. While the hype does get annoying, the Phantom Thieves seem to achieve more than the police. You sure you're not sore because they're making you look bad?''
Her eyes narrowed at the obvious dig ''...It's absurd. How do you know they really mean well? They could easily turn on their so called fans when it's convenient for them. They haven't even targeted the one person they were expected to, they might be preparing for a big move.''
''But that's just speculation, isn't it?'' Namine countered. ''I agree with Boss, they're not perfect but they do still help. Maybe there are other reasons they don't follow the public's expectations. You clearly don't have much to go on. It's like you're just satisfied to paint things black and white. The Phantom Thieves operate outside the law so they have to be bad, is that it?''
A scowl ''What's your point?''
''It just seems really close minded. Nothing is perfect, not even the law. Not everyone can simply believe...things aren't just black and white. People are never that simple. Gray areas exist too, there's been plenty of proof.'' Namine patted Futaba's shoulder. ''You want to go over to your place?''
The hacker nodded, letting the older girl lead her away as Sae stormed off. It looked like she didn't have much to say. Sojiro had to admit, while the talk came as a surprise, that made for a satisfying sight.
The more he thought about Namine's words, the more they sounded right to him. He didn't quite know what to make of the Phantom Thieves yet but he wouldn't deny that they seemed to be working for the good of others.
People branded them as dangerous and criminal when things would have been worse without them. He rememebered how Namine and her friends tried to do something about that corrupt teacher but the school got in their way. Even after his charge had to intervene in that suicide incident, they still slandered her for it. The school even completely ignored what happened to Shiho. It was sickening. The girl deserved much better than that. It was only because the Thieves appeared that Kamoshida was stopped. Talking to Yusuke showed him just how corrupt Madarame was, the artist had freely admitted that it was the Thieves who saved him in the end. He wouldn't have had the courage to act without them.
The barista also knew just how much damage Kaneshiro caused, how many suffered under him and how the police didn't do a thing about it. And thus, enter the thieves again. Hell, possibly even with Okumura-though he wasn't too sure about this one as he only heard Futaba mention people putting up a request about him. He would actually be glad if they would do something about him. The girls had told him how that lowlife of a president was planning to practically sell poor Haru into that terrible marriage for his own good. That wasn't even counting the situation around Okumura Foods. Sure, it didn't make their actions lawful but at least they were helping people. He'd also heard Futaba talk about the Phan-Site and just looking at the people thanking the thieves proved how much good they did. And the people who tormented his daughter still just got away with it and she was left to suffer for so long...
The law system was corrupt, that was what almost ruined Namine's life. Was it any wonder she had trouble believing in it?
Morgana exhaled ''That turned out to be heavy, huh?''
''Yeah...'' Namine trailed off. ''...you don't think I said too much, do you? It's just, hearing her talk like that...I guess I couldn't help it.''
''Don't worry, I get it.'' The cat assured. ''You just pointed out the truth. She knows what happened to you. I doubt anyone in your situation can just be expected to believe in the law. Akechi even said anyone could tell something was off about your case if they really look at it, right? We already know she's pretty thorough in her work. She must've done her research about the three of you-isn't that how she knew all she did back when we learned about Futaba?''
''I guess you're right...'' Namine exhaled. ''...well, there's no use worrying about this. Let's go.''
Well, let's stop here.
I struggled with this chapter for a while so I hope it was good. Yusuke's not over the slump yet but as mentioned above, he's making progress. There were some stuff I meant to happen after the change of heart. But it isn't time for them yet, you'll see what it'd be like for Okumura soon.
I got the idea to use Fujitaka and Asuka when I was working on this chapter. In the end, I decided to go for it. They're really going to help Namine get better and better with music.
I have plans for Sae and I'm working on them, she was originally going to apologize but the way the conversation turned put that to a stop. She's going to make up for her mistakes in a real good way though, not just yet. What Namine said really did get to her, even if she didn't show it. Morgana's right, Sae learned plenty about Namine and the Sakuras so she knows something's fishy about her case. It's something she's going to look into eventually.
Welp, 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 6)
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 5)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 4)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 6)
Togo Hifumi (Star Rank 4)
Iwai Munehisa(Hanged Man Rank 3)
Sakura Futaba (Hermit Rank 3)
Nijima Sae (Judgement Rank 2)
Maruki Takuto (Councillor Rank 2)