After another excursion to Mementos, the team was on the way back when Mona stopped them all for a talk...
''You want to what?!''
Skull stared; Queen was frozen in place at the mention of the topic, Sae. Specifically the matter of whether or not they should target her.
Panther was scowling ''Mona! You can't just...''
''I'm sorry, really, I am but we can't ignore the signs.'' The feline crossed his arms. ''I've been thinking this over for a while and I don't see any other way. Look what happened the other day, Okada could've really hurt Queen because of her. Judging by her reputation, I don't think he was the first.''
''Wouldn't surprise me...'' Oracle muttered darkly.
''That is a valid point.'' Fox nodded ''Apologies, Queen but I can't say otherwise given what we've seen from her so far. It's rather concerning.''
She exhaled, her eyes closing ''I know.''
Panther's voice broke the ensuing silence ''It wouldn't hurt to have a little tact, guys! This is...''
''I hate to say it but I think we might have to decide soon.'' Sage cut in. ''Given how determined she is in this investigation, I can't help but wonder if she might know something we don't. Oracle mentioned how detailed that analysis of hers was, who's to say she hasn't uncovered something more? Whether we like it or not, she is involved and that's all the more reason it could be dangerous to leave this be.''
The red clad thief had to acknowledge that, remembering everything they learned recently about Mementos. What if Sae's relentless search got her in trouble...?
''No one's expecting an answer right away, Queen. We get that this is hard but you should try to prepare for the worst.''
The girl nodded, Joker didn't know it but her words had hit the heart of the matter. She knew all their suspicions about Sae were more than accurate but she just couldn't face it, the thought of facing her sister's sins given form was just...
She was such a coward.
Joker found herself reflecting on her talk with Yuuki, suspecting that they had both been right. Odds were, Queen had noticed something about her sister but she likely wasn't ready to admit it. Knowing the brunette, she was likely beating herself up over it. Joker wanted to reassure her that it was natural; there was nothing wrong with wanting to have faith in family. But given what she could feel through their bond, she knew Queen wasn't likely to talk about this now.
This line of thought brought up a matter they needed to know. ''Guys, there's something else. The last time we ran into Akechi-kun...''
''Wait, but that means...''
Queen tapped her chin, deep in thought ''He was Crow all along. It does add up. He mentioned that he was after a certain someone. There's what he said about revenge...and his resources...''
Oracle nodded ''I thought it was weird that he knew which Shadows to go after, it'd totally make sense if he could access info thanks to his work with the police.''
''But why do all this? All just for revenge...?'' Noir had to wonder.
''Well, the good news is he was too mad to really notice anything. He really is a hypocrite though...'' Panther trailed off, grumbling.
''You said it. He's got some nerve.'' Skull harrumphed.
Mona took over ''We were talking about any sign we might have missed that it was him...turns out there was one.''
He proceeded to recount the first day in the TV station, where they ran into the teen detective. Noir looked confused ''There doesn't seem to be anything of the ordinary there, Mona-chan.''
It clicked for Skull ''Wait, he heard you but he never saw you! I remember you hid in the bag the second he turned up.''
''Exactly, I'm still kicking myself for not noticing at the time.'' Mona grumbled.
''We weren't exactly on the lookout, that was right around the time we found out about Kaneshiro.'' Joker offered.
''But now we do know...'' Oracle pointed out. ''...and we've got to figure out how to handle this.''
The following day...
''Here I was talking about showing you guys around when you two definitely know this city way more than I would...''
Yuri laughed her granddaughter's comment off ''Well, leaving that aside, why don't we just spend this nice day together?''
The two continued following Namine down a street, which was when they noticed a number of people here and there stopping to greet her. Returning the gestures in kind, the girl stopped to talk to a passing couple.
Itsuki watched with a growing grin ''Looks like our girl's been doing just fine, eh?''
''Mmhm, hearing about it was one thing but...I'm glad.'' Yuri hummed.
''We know she's like bamboo, look at how much she's bounced back...'' He continued once Namine rejoined them. ''...so you're pretty popular, kiddo!''
She laughed ''Not really...I just meet a few here and there. Most of them know me because I help-oh!'' Her eyes widened as she noticed Yoshida nearby. Likewise spotting her, he approached, greeting her jovially as always.
Returning the gesture in kind, she introduced her grandparents, to the man's pleasant surprise. ''I've heard plenty about you. You have a wonderful granddaughter.''
''Thanks, nice to see things looking up for you now,'' Itsuki returned.
''They really have.'' A few months ago, the warm reception he was receiving now wouldn't have been something he thought possible. ''And I owe it all to Namine-chan, I don't know where I'd be without her help.''
''Glad I could help but you just needed someone who'd actually give you the light of day.'' The girl waved his gratitude off. ''The rest was all you. I'm still amazed at how well you handle those speeches. Some of the political stuff you mentioned is enough to make my head spin.''
Yoshida chuckled ''Well, I don't think you're giving yourself enough credit. You've learned quite a bit before I even knew it.''
A amused Yuri looked between them ''Well, it's safe to say your hard work's been paying off. Look how many are happy to see you. You certainly have my vote.''
''Mine too, it's so good to see someone who cares so much. We don't have nearly enough people like you out there.'' Itsuki put in. ''Say, you look like you're finishing up here and we were about to go grab lunch. Care to join us?''
Yoshida's expression belayed his surprise ''Well, I was thinking I should go for some myself but if you don't mind...'' Yuri smiled while Namine nodded happily. ''...then I'd be glad to, thank you.''
It was shortly after they headed off again that Namine came across a couple of familiar figures near the planetarium. Her lips twitched as she approached, speaking when in earshot ''It's about time you got started on those plans.''
Recognizing the voice, an amused Iwai turned to face her while Kaoru perked up ''Hyakuya-san! And...'' His expression turned curious.
Namine realized where he was looking, quickly introducing both pairs to each other. Itsuki blinked ''Oh, so you're Iwai. I've been wondering what you'd be like ever since she told us about your talks the other day...''
Iwai quirked a brow but Namine spoke up before he could question this ''Hmm, how do I put this? Picture a much less grouchy Nakamura-san and you'd be close.''
''Nakamura...oh, that soldier?'' Kaoru guessed. ''Wait, you mean he's even grouchier than Dad?''
The sheer disbelief in his tone made her smile ''As hard as it may to believe.''
''I'm right here.'' The man's expression was deadpan as both only laughed ''...That old timer's probably grouchy thanks to dealing with brats like you.''
''You're not really helping your case there.'' Itsuki grinned.
Yuri looked amused ''All right, all right-instead of standing around here, why don't we go in?''
Futaba turned to her room's door as Morgana walked in ''Hey, I figured you'd be with Namine by now.''
''Yeah, well-I think it's only right to let those three spend some family time together.'' Namine had in fact invited him earlier but he wanted to give them the chance. It had been so long since they'd last seen each other in person after all.
''Fair enough, good timing though.'' She set him on her desk. ''I've got a few plans to make some games but I'm trying them out now. The stuff at the arcade was really good inspiration but I could use a second opinion. How about it?''
Morgana perked up ''Sure, let's have a look!''
'Ah, so humans even managed to recreate such representations of the heavens...how lovely.'
Namine smiled at Flora, lowering her voice as she replied ''Isn't it? Told you, if Mementos was all you've seen you're bound to be blown away.''
A laugh 'And I'm enjoying every moment of it.'
''So how much did the kid actually tell you?'' Iwai clarified.
''Oh, basically that she's been helping you at the shop. That you've been good to her even when your reputation may not be the best and that you apparently know people who were present at that incident two years ago.'' Itsuki summarized.
He was admittedly curious that she hadn't mentioned him being former yakuza. Given what he was coming to know about Namine, he wouldn't be surprised if she simply felt it wasn't her secret to share. ''That's about the gist of it, yeah. Never thought I'd find a freaking hero for an assistant but hey, no complaints.''
''You're among the first we've met in months who actually gave her the credit she deserves.'' Yuri sighed.
''Not surprised-some people wouldn't know a good thing if it hit them in the face.'' Iwai didn't miss the kids talking to each other not too far away from them.
Yuri was watching them as well ''It is nice to hear that you're also keeping your son in mind.''
''Oh...you know about that too, huh?''
''Well, she wanted advice. She was trying to think of a good way to help you both.''
''That kid...count on her to meddle.'' He turned slightly at Kaoru's surprised cry.
''No way! He actually aimed a rifle at you guys just for entering his garden?''
''Mm, apparently he did that for everyone. The story had spread out around town but we didn't think it was true.'' Namine admitted. ''We just happened to see some kids playing nearby and they wanted to pick up their ball when it landed there. I thought the story was a bit much but they looked scared and one of them asked me for help.''
''Oh...oh, wow-that's one way to tell people you don't want them around. How did you go from that to being close enough friends for him to teach you self-defence?''
Iwai quirked a brow ''Damn good question there, what happened?''
Itsuki wore a wide grin ''My lovely wife happened.'' Yuri looked away sheepishly ''Like Nami was saying, a bunch of us really didn't take the story seriously. I mean, you don't run into that every day, right? But apparently, it was an actual thing. Those kids just kicked their ball too far and they nearly get shot for it. Now I don't think he was even looking when he fired and it caught him off guard too, but at the time he didn't even apologize. I think that's when Yuri lost it.''
''I didn't...!'' The woman huffed. ''Someone needed to call him out, he had no right dismissing that-accident or not. Nami and those poor children could've been hurt.''
''Yeah, but you chewing him out and whacking him with your purse is a sight we all enjoyed for years.'' Her husband laughed.
''It was badass, Grandma.'' Namine assured. ''I think you really made an impression, he always said you were one lady he'd never want to cross.''
''I can see why.'' Iwai smirked ''But that's one heck of an impression, how'd you move on from that?''
''Well, actually...''
''A CD? That's a great idea!'' Itsuki enthused once they were all back at their home. ''I can't believe I didn't think of it before-you'd pull off like a charm, kiddo!''
Namine laughed a bit ''You think so? I didn't really get to think about it much with all that's been going on but I've been meaning to go see them.''
''Then why don't we go tomorrow? Hearing about this shop, I'd like to see it for myself.'' Yuri put in.
''All right!''
The next day...
Haru and Ryuji were on their way back after a workout at the gym. Ann, who had accompanied them, took a separate path and the two carried on.
''That was quite a work out. I must say I never thought I'd get into exercise like this but I see why you enjoy it, Ryuji-kun.''
The athlete looked pleased ''Right? The feeling's pretty damn great. But man, you are good at this-especially with the bar bells. I could barely believe how much you can lift.''
Haru hummed ''Well, maybe carrying the fertilizer for my garden helps?''
''Ooh, yeah-I hear ya...'' Ryuji immediately nodded ''...those things are-oh, hey!''
Following his line of sight, Haru noticed he was waving at Hifumi, who was coming out of a shop. The girl's face lit up and she approached her friends with a greeting.
''Been a while, huh? Heard you've been working even harder on the Shogi scene.'' Ryuji added.
Hifumi's smile was warm ''I do try-'' Her eyes fell on their bags ''-but speaking of hard work, you seem to be doing quite a bit of that yourselves. I take it this has to do with Futaba-chan's complaints about training from hell?''
The blond snorted. Of course Futaba would say that.
Haru smiled at the memory from their sleepover ''Yes. We've been trying to get her to be more active-so far it's been a good success. But where the gym is concerned...''
''Ah, say no more. I understand.''
''She's being a little drama queen is all.'' Ryuji waved dismissively ''Anyway, Togo, since you're here, you wanna come with us? Haru says there's this nice place she found the other day.''
The heiress perked up ''Oh, that'd be great, Hifumi-chan! If you're free, we'd love to have you!''
Hifumi returned her smile ''Well, I don't have anything to do for the time being so...thank you.''
Namine had decided to go check on Makoto, only to run into Sae near the apartment building. What took her by surprise was that the woman asked her for a moment...
''So, ah, what is it?''
''I came across the mention of an incident and your name happened to come up...'' Sae began. ''...so I was wondering, how much do you actually know about the burglary incident in your former home?''
Namine didn't see that one coming ''Probably not nearly as much as you do, I just heard those guys were arrested and that seemed to be the end of that. I guess I never really thought to look more into it...''
''I suppose that's understandable.'' At the girl's quizzical look, she added ''The stolen money was never found. Apparently they had two other comrades in hiding who simply sent the money away as fast as they could. What really strikes me as odd is that none of them so much as said anything despite the numerous interrogations. It was almost like they were too scared not to-their leader apparently didn't even care when he was threatened with an even longer sentence. He seemed to think that was preferable to telling the truth.''
''Wait, you don't think...that someone actually threatened them to keep quiet...?''
''Exactly.'' Sae nodded ''And I imagine it's someone quite powerful, you see-the leader had a fearsome reputation from his days as a yakuza leader. The thought of someone out there being able to keep such a person in line so easily is...''
Namine could see how that could be worrying but...''You kind of make it sound like you're expecting to run into this person or something.''
''That's just it. The person who was in charge of the investigation worked with my father before, I came across some of the notes he shared. He had certain suspicions that the money was brought to the city.'' The girl let out a surprised noise while Morgana's eyes widened ''I haven't found out the reason yet but...he seems to think it's connected to a pair of high profile individuals who had been in the area around the time of the incident. Supposedly they both have solid alibis that would clear them of any suspicions; both those men are now members of the Diet party.''
Namine inquired what happened to the man, her eyes going wide at the news that he was one of the first Mental Shutdown victims.
Okay, she could see where the prosecutor was coming from. This was rather suspicious but... ''One thing-I thought you were focused on investigating the Phantom Thieves. I mean, after what Makoto and Akechi-kun said...''
''I'm trying to look at the situation from different angles. I can't help but question much of what I thought I believed and...'' Sae shook her head. ''...you had a part in that too. I spoke with Ohya Ichiko as she's one of the most informed reporters when it comes to the Phantom Thieves. Our first meeting was...less than pleasant, she approached me later with quite the amount of information.''
''Let me guess, she's daring you to prove her wrong.'' Namine smiled wryly. ''That sounds like her.''
''I did get that impression.'' Sae nodded ''Although, it's interesting that she was involved in both the cases I was looking into. It just so happens that her partner was a suspect in a murder case against another politician affiliated with the two I mentioned earlier...did she already tell you? Her reaction suggests the two of you are close.''
Namine wasn't sure what that meant ''Y-yeah, we met back when she was looking into Madarame. She found out about my case and we wound up talking about the past. I'm not sure how she's handling it but she believes her partner's innocent.''
''I see, evidence would suggest otherwise-it's awfully strange that she's still missing while a year has passed. It seems she's starting to investigate the current members of the Diet.'' Sae thought back to Ohya dropped a few of her notes when she was leaving and she happened to read a little before she picked them up. ''But she refused to elaborate one bit-if she's trying to prove her friend's innocence, would you happen to know why won't share her suspicions with the police?''
The girl had admittedly never thought of that before ''She never told me but...it might have to do with her higher ups pressuring her. Apparently her boss piles a lot of work on her.''
Sae filed that information away for later. The mention of the Diet and those suspicious made Namine think of Shido. For a moment, she was tempted to tell Sae about him but knew it was too dangerous. A part of her had to wonder if those suspicious politicians were affiliated with Shido in anyway. What happened to the investigator said yes, but she did remember President Okumura mentioning that he hired the Black Mask before...
Shaking the thought, Namine carried on ''Well, I don't really get how this can help you but I hope you'll be careful. Considering what happened to that investigator...''
The surprised prosecutor's expression softened ''Thank you, I plan to. You were coming to visit Makoto, right? I'll be out of your hair.''
''Oh-ah, thanks for telling me about this...''
''No need, I thought it was only fair given your involvement.'' It was also a way of making up for what she said about the girl. Looking back, Sae would admit to being needlessly cruel.
With that, the two bid each other farewell and headed off.
''That was quite the revelation, huh?'' Morgana popped his head out of the bag. Namine just nodded; her mind swirling with all the new information.
It was just like she told Sae. She hadn't really given the burglary incident much thought since there had been so much going on after she awakened. Besides, it was just a short while after awakening that she happened to run into Shido that night...
But...did this mean...was it connected to him-to that organization?
''And that's it!'' Ann turned to her audience. ''What do you think?'' Shiho and Takuto shared glances, their expressions confirming the worst for her ''...No good?''
''Well, you get full points for enthusiasm but...no.'' was the first response, the second only nodding.
The girls had just been hanging out when passing by the counsellor's office, when Ann had the idea to test her acting skills. She'd chosen to act out a scene from a famous show the three knew of but...
''And I practiced so much...'' Ann sighed.
''That might be part of the problem, actually.'' Takuto's statement drew the girls' surprise. ''Have you considered that you may be trying too hard? I had a friend back in college who liked acting. He simply made it seem so much fun-apparently he likes to merge with the character, picture himself as part of the story. If he can understand the character, he can become them. He enjoyed it so much just because he loved acting, he loved stories and that way, others can have fun right with him.''
The blonde's eyes were wide ''I never thought of it like that. Maybe I could try...''
''You certainly seem invested in this.'' Takuto noted.
She laughed a bit ''Yeah, at first it just looked fun but...after I started taking modeling seriously, I wondered if there was more I could do. I even heard a few stories about some old co-workers of mine who got hired by people looking for actors. Like, there's this model, Takeba Yukari. I look up to her; she's so graceful and poised. You can tell she gives her work a hundred percent. She's a great actress too, a lot of people know her for her role in Featherman but she's done other stuff. I don't know how good I can be as an actress but it looked like a nice way to broaden my horizons. I'm still planning to be the number one model after all!''
Pleased, Shiho smiled up at her ''Well, you're number one in my book but I'm with you all the way.''
Ann beamed back, Takuto crossed his arms ''It sounds like an excellent goal. You drive is sure to take you far, Ann-chan.''
''Mmhm, I think so too! Thanks, Takuto-sensei.''
Pleasantly surprised to see her visitors, Makoto was quick to welcome them to her home. The first thing both noticed was the pile of books and sheets on one of the couches nearby.
''Someone's been busy.'' Namine remarked as they took their seats.
Morgana took to reading some of the titles ''Wow, you're looking to cover all angles, huh?''
''Well, I don't want to leave things to chance if I can help it. Our exams are very important.'' Makoto half-smiled ''You have good timing though, I was just looking to take a break.''
''Oh, then how about we have lunch?'' Namine held up a bag ''We picked up a few things on the way. Based on your last study session, I wasn't sure you even thought of food.''
Huffing, the girl gave her a pointed look ''I told you, Haru was exaggerating. I'm not missing out on meals to study. Just because I realized we passed it was past lunch time by a couple of hours...''
''...and you had to go grocery shopping to even whip up anything decent...''
Makoto's eyes narrowed but Namine only smiled, Morgana snickered ''...yes, that too. But it's just a once in a blue moon thing, I am not making it a habit.''
''Good to know but you can't blame her for being worried. You have been a bit absentminded lately.'' The cat put in.
Unable to refute that, the brunette thanked Namine, hoping she wasn't rude. Morgana jumped to Namine's shoulder as they headed to the kitchen. ''Oh...oh, you didn't have to go through all the trouble.''
''Well, that's good because it wasn't any trouble. Come on, let's get started.''
''You know, I think I heard a few things about this, is that Tokyo University really such a big deal?'' Morgana had to wonder as the three settled down once more with food.
''It's one of the best in Japan. I've been hoping to enter since I heard so much about if from Sis, it sounded amazing.''
''Well, I think you can do it.'' Makoto smiled at Namine, who added ''But you know, I've been wondering-you're interested in pursuing law like your dad and Nijima-san but did you have a specific goal?''
''Oh, yeah...'' Morgana looked up at her. ''...I can totally picture you as a detective, or as officer or something like Miura. Or did you want to be a prosecutor too?''
''Oh, no-definitely not that...'' As much as she admired Sae, Makoto just did not picture herself in the same profession. ''...it's strange; years ago I was sure I'd just join the police because I really wanted to be like my father. The feeling hasn't changed but...I've realized I've been so focused on excelling in my studies for so long that I might have lost track of my long time goal, I'm not sure what I can do.''
''Well, you still have time to figure it out. Besides, a lot changed for you over the years, hasn't it? I think it's understandable to be confused.'' Morgana offered.
''Maybe you could try watching them at work, I mean hearing stories is one thing but it's always better to see them up close and personal.'' Namine suggested. ''That's what I learned from Yoshida-san. Being a politician is way more I complicated than I ever thought, it's always better to get hands on experience.''
''Actually, I did go to the police station with Dad and Taiki-san a few times...I'd almost forgotten, it's been so long...'' Makoto's lips twitched ''...I'll try; it'd be interesting to see how I'd feel after all those years.'' A thought occurred to her ''Although, now that you bring it up, Yoshida-san is that politician you've been helping for months, isn't he? I've heard quite a few good things here and there. It seems quite a few people are rooting for him to succeed.''
Namine nodded happily ''He taught me plenty, I'm just glad people are giving him the chance he deserves.''
''He really cares about helping others.'' Morgana agreed. ''It's amazing that he's working so hard even with all that awful reputation standing against him, his perseverance is finally paying off.''
''It's always satisfying to see hard work paying off.'' Namine leaned back ''So I told Konno-san and Asuka-san about the CD idea, they're all for it. They even have the equipment right in the store so they can help me get started.''
''Oh, that's great! Matsuoka-san was right; you'll definitely go far if you keep pursuing music. You're working to improve when you couldn't even bring yourself to play before; you're going to sing in the festival and now this. You've come a long way, Namine.''
''I think we all did. You're no longer following what the adults tell you and looking for your path, now you're reaching for the chance to find your own goals and being yourself. Just because you don't have the answers doesn't mean you can't find them.'' The latter pointed out. ''The past few months made us all grow up in some ways, Mona's actually getting over himself and opening up to us...''
''Hey!'' The cat didn't miss her teasing tone. Makoto held back a laugh as he grumbled ''...the worst part is, I can't argue with the wording...''
''...it doesn't feel like things were as bleak for me as they were before and I can really trust others again. I'm beginning to see a path forward, so...dangers and all, becoming a Phantom Thief was one of the best things that ever happened to me.'' Namine finished.
''Me too.''
''Me three!'' Makoto and Morgana agreed with smiles of their own.
The girls started as their phones rang, finding a message from Ryuji.
SR: We got a problem.
A few minutes earlier...
Ryuji shot Hifumi a wry look ''Lemme guess, trying to find a nice way to tell her how she's messing up?''
The girl nodded sheepishly before their eyes found Haru, who was busy with her phone. She had been looking up an app which Futaba believed would help with her gardening but she clearly didn't know how to use it, leaving her fumbling about.
Ryuji wasn't surprised. They'd come to learn that Haru-as she herself admitted-was bad with technology. Futaba had been appalled to see the kind of tech she owned and wasn't even using well, taking it to herself to teach the heiress as much as possible. The results were...varying so far. But in Futaba's own words, she was making sure 'Haru stopped being such a menace around tech'.
Within minutes, the two helped the heiress figure out what she wanted to do with the app and they were back on their way. Haru looked pleased ''Thank you, Futaba-chan was right. This could be really useful...I just thought I was getting better at this...''
''Well, you're not breaking any stuff so I think we're good.'' Ryuji couldn't help snickering at her expression. ''I'm kidding, I'm kidding...''
Hifumi was about to put in her piece when a voice suddenly cried out ''You!''
Startled, the three found a young woman a few years older than them storming over. Her furious eyes on a bewildered Hifumi ''You've got some nerve just parading about there. So much for a shogi prodigy-I don't suppose the little princess can do much without mommy dearest holding her hand, huh?!''
''Hey, hey back off!'' Ryuji inserted himself between the two ''What's your deal, lady?''
''That girl's nothing but a big cheat! My boyfriend worked so hard to make it as far as he did in the shogi leagues, he was so happy! But then he gets it all taken away because her stupid hag of a mom forced him to throw the match!''
''What?!''
The young woman scoffed loudly ''Oh, as if you didn't know! I even looked into your previous matches after what he said and some of your opponents obviously lose on purpose.'' Hifumi stared at her in horror ''I tried telling Kenzo but he wouldn't listen to me, he's been so down in the dumps because you're nothing but a two bit hack!''
''That ain't true!'' Ryuji shot back.
Haru stepped in front of Hifumi ''I don't know what you heard but you can't blame Hifumi-chan. She wouldn't ever want to cheat, shogi means too much to her! She worked hard for her own skills too!''
She scoffed loudly ''Yeah, right-like I'll believe that! Do everyone a favour and quit, you loser.'' Storming off, she looked over shoulder to add ''Maybe we should get the Phantom Thieves to target you two!''
Back to present time, near the train station...
Ryuji finished recounting the incident to Namine and Makoto, who had arrived as fast as they could after seeing the message with Morgana in tow. Hifumi sat in one of the benches, downcast while a worried Haru joined them.
''Throwing the matches? But that's...she doesn't even know if that's true...'' The brunette frowned.
''That's the worst part!'' Ryuji burst out. ''Togo actually called her mom to tell her about this and she all but admitted it!''
Makoto looked startled but Haru nodded. ''At first she just brushed it off, but Hifumi-chan was insistent so...well, then she said 'Honestly, Hifumi-what do the cries of the losers even matter? You're working to become a model and you'll be the star of the shogi leagues. It's for your family, for your own sake. If I just happened to give you a little push here and there, well why not? What matters is that we reach our goals.'''
Morgana held back a growl, that woman-how dare she?! Hifumi simply went along with her mother's wishes for her family's sake, out of a wish not to trouble her parents. Her mother was insistent on making her an idol but she simply wanted to be respected for her skills, not looks. The girl had really gone the extra mile to improve and her mother was spitting all over her efforts.
A sob escaped Hifumi, the girl quickly managing an apology as she wiped her reddening eyes. Namine sat next to her, taking her hand in her own ''Hey, if anyone should be sorry, it definitely isn't you. You have every right to be upset.''
''Exactly, she had no right to...'' Haru shook her head ''...you deserve better, Hifumi-chan.''
''I just...I can't believe she'd do this!'' The girl blurted ''I know I had a long way to go in shogi but I truly wanted to improve on my own merit. After winning that league, I thought I was making headway...now...now, I can't even be sure how much merit I even had...how long has this been going on? I feel like such a fool.''
''Hey, you heard Haru. Quit blaming yourself, you didn't know.'' Ryuji pointed out. Makoto privately agreed, though she found herself wondering how much Hifumi's father knew about any of this. She didn't have the heart to verbalize the thought, knowing how close their friend was to him and only hoped her worst suspicions were wrong.
''I don't know what to do...I can't...I can't face her now...'' Hifumi knew she couldn't possibly act normally around her mother now.
''That's easily solved.'' She looked up at Haru in surprise. ''You can come sleep over at my house tonight.''
Namine smiled at the heiress ''Good idea. You don't even have to go back so soon, Hifumi. You can just spend the nights with us until you're ready. We'll sort this out. I can ask my grandparents and even Boss to let you stay too. I know they won't mind.''
''Wait, but that's...I don't want to...''
''We'd be terrible friends if we just let you be now.'' Makoto cut in. ''And I bet you anything the others would agree, you just take the time you need.''
''Bottom line is, you're not alone. We'll figure this out, okay?'' Namine added.
Hifumi smiled warmly and nodded ''Thank you...thank you all.''
Well, let's stop here.
I really didn't plan on taking this long to update but a bunch of stuff happened IRL. Hope it was good.
So here we are-I thought I'd some new developments taking effect before moving on with the story. To clarify, Yuri and Itsuki won't even blink at Iwai being former yakuza, especially after getting to know Nakamura. Namine's just not sure if she should sure something like that without his say-so. And yeah, Nakamura and Iwai have a few things in common. Nakamura was angry and paranoid at first but overall, he's a good guy who was dealt a really bad hand in life.
I wanted to try a bit of a different take with Hifumi too. While she's closer to the girls, she's generally friends with all the Phantom Thieves and she actually hangs out with Yusuke a bunch of times at school. Sae's basically sussed out stuff people tried to keep hidden. There's more to that incident two years ago and the investigator was pretty close to figuring out the truth. The details are going to be revealed in the next arc but let's just say that those burglars had plenty more to fear from their 'employer' than the police. But yeah, she's tip-toeing dangerous territory.
Anywho, I've been considering doing freelance work with logo designs so I've been dabbling here and there. That gave me the idea to try making logos for my Persona stories. I'm still experimenting now so I'd appreciate any input, if possible. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!
Confidants:
Sakamoto Ryuji (Chariot Rank Max)
Morgana (Magician Rank 9)
Takamaki Ann (Lovers Rank Max)
Takemi Tae (Death Rank Max)
Okumura Haru (Empress Rank 7)
Igor (Aeon Rank 6)
Suzui Shiho (Temperance Rank Max)
Yoshida Toranosuke (Sun Rank 8)
Caroline and Justine (Strength Rank 6)
The Phantom Thieves (Fool Rank 7)
Kitagawa Yusuke (Emperor Rank 8)
Akechi Goro (Justice Rank 5)
Ohya Ichiko (Devil Rank 6)
Nijima Makoto (Priestess Rank 6)
Mifune Chihaya (Wheel of Fortune Rank 7)
Togo Hifumi (Star Rank 5)
Iwai Muneshisa (Hanged Man Rank 4)
Nijima Sae (Judgement Rank 2)
Konno Fujitaka and Asuka (Passion Rank 3)
Miura Taiki (Apostle Rank 2)
Oda Shinya (Tower Rank 1)
Hyakuya Yuri and Itsuki (Charity Rank 7)