Chapter 7 / Altered Destiny
Saturday / April 23rd, 2016 / Leblanc - Café / Evening
Ichihara Tadashi
Just a day after stealing the treasure from Kamoshida's palace had made a change. Kamoshida hadn't been at school… Instead he had taken the day off. And Kawakami had said that he supposedly put himself in suspension. An odd way to put it. But it was hard to tell exactly what taking the treasure had done to affect him.
Ann had taken a trip to visit Suzui in the hospital, and despite my words she blamed herself for not being there to support her best friend when she needed her most. Though I had a feeling that Suzui would never see it that way. I wasn't the one that needed to say that. I could only pray that Suzui would be able to make a recovery. At the very least we had done all we could to retaliate for what happened to her.
"Ichihara, do you have time?" Sojiro asked as I had been making my way towards the stairs that led to my living space. I stopped and looked at him, placing my bag down and letting Morgana run up the stairs.
"Yeah, of course," I answered.
"How's school?" he asked. I raised an eyebrow at the question. "You're not causing any trouble, are you?"
"Would you be satisfied if I told you that I only do what I believe to be right?" I shook my head and handed him the diary from my jacket pocket.
He opened it and seemed surprised by it. He flipped through the pages, "You keep surprisingly neat and concise notes."
"You didn't exactly give me any guidelines as to how I should keep a record of my daily activity. Besides, this is so you can report to my probation officer, right?" I couldn't stop myself and sighed.
"Yes, I have to hand over a report twice a month," He confirmed.
"Isn't it a bit weird that my probation officer isn't personally keeping tabs on me? I haven't even met them," I commented as I thought about it.
"They claim to have a number of kids they have to check up on. And your official parole officer is in Takayama, not Tokyo. Though he said there was someone responsible to look into anything about you on his behalf if you get into any trouble," Sojiro told me.
"So even my parole officer can't be bothered with me. How cheerful of a thought," I grumbled.
"The resources of law enforcement aren't unlimited, you know. They aren't going to make exceptions. Especially for someone like you," Sojiro stated.
"Ah, yes. How dare I protect a woman who was yelling at a man to stop it, to let go of her. But a man falls and trips on his ass, injuring himself, while I didn't so much as touch him. Let's feel sorry for that asshole because I'm just some snot-nosed kid right?" I glared back at him. "I'm getting tired of being called a liar, so can we fucking not?"
Sojiro's phone then started to ring. He pulled out the cell phone and answered it, "What's wrong? Yeah, I'm heading out now. Sorry about that. I know. The usual, right? Okay. I'll see you later."
Hearing only one side of the conversation, I didn't care to speculate who he was talking to.
"As you can see, I'm pretty damn busy both at work and in my private life. If you could lend a hand, it'd really be a great help," Sojiro's words caught me off guard.
"You want my help, around Leblanc?" I asked.
He nodded.
I owed Sojiro a lot. Regardless of what he might believe of my situation he still stuck his neck out to give me a place I could stay, and an opportunity to go to school. Not to mention the amount of freedom he gave me. I couldn't complain about it. So the answer was easy, "I'd be glad to."
"Now we're talking. Either way, I won't ask you to work for free. If you agree to help me, then I'll teach you to make the perfect cup of coffee. Not a bad trade, eh?" he grinned.
"Okay, I'm in," I nodded.
"All right. Looks like we've got ourselves a deal," Sojiro smiled a bit. Hm? That feeling again. I guess even Sojiro was one of those confidant links that Igor and the warden twins kept talking about. "Today, we'll go over how I close up the café each night."
The next half hour was a rather quick overview of things, and Sojiro asked me to wash the dishes before calling it a night. Honestly, this was the least I could do for the man.
After locking up and going upstairs for the night I saw messages on my phone.
Ann: Thanks, Tadashi. We should go get that dinner sometime.
Tadashi: Looking to cash in, huh?
Ann: I'm just anxious.
Tadashi: Until we know for sure what the results of stealing the treasure are.
Ann: Yeah. I just hope Shiho wakes up soon.
Tadashi: Me too.
"You guys should relax more. We've done all we can," Morgana spoke up, having read the conversation from next to me.
"Saying that and actually being able to relax are two different things," I chuckled. "But you're right. We've done all we can within our power."
"It will all work out, I'm sure of it," Morgana said, obviously trying to comfort me.
I turned and looked out the window from my room, and up into the sky. Hope was the only thing we had left. How irritating.
Tuesday / April 26th, 2016 / Shujin Academy - Library / After School
Ichihara Tadashi
What a horrible day so far. I think the teachers are just calling on me more because I haven't gotten anything wrong yet. And I'm still pissed off that everyone seems so crazy surprised about me getting them right. I guess that thing about me assaulting someone just hangs over all their heads. Do I have some sort of invisible fucking billboard that just constantly reminds people that I was convicted of assault? I bet no one even knows why I was charged and convicted with assault. Oh right, nobody ever gives a shit as to why something happens. Just like my own goddamn parents.
I sighed as I entered the library and returned the math book from before. I decided it wasn't really worth keeping it. I figure I can just take a trip down to the book store and get some decent workbooks to do instead. At least for Math. I was too far ahead for my class, so the only way I was going to keep myself sharp was to challenge my mind. So time for a new focus… this time I'll go for history.
I eventually found the history books and then moved to sit down. I looked up to notice I had unknowingly sat next to Niijima Makoto once again. The student council president, and still one of the only people outside of Ann, Ryuji and Shiho that hadn't judged me instantly. It's pretty fucking pathetic if my first thought about people is if they judged me based on my assault charges or not. Then again I am pretty goddamn sensitive to that subject.
I shrugged and opened the first book. Hmm, this one was more on cultures. Specifically pertaining to southern European countries like Italy. That place had certainly seen a number of changes in its history. But I guess you can just blame that on the number of conflicts that always moved through that area of the world. And it seemed they would lose part of their culture or forcefully have something changed whenever the area changed powers.
The Roman Empire for one had been notorious for forcing their belief system onto those they conquered. Except for Greece… which seemed to influence the Romans more than the other way around. I mean if you look at the Greek Pantheon of Gods and Goddesses and then compare it to the Romans then you would notice that they were pretty much identical. Although the names were changed. Most of the stories didn't really change between the two. The reason why that happened is well, when the Romans conquered you they pretty much took everything. Culture and mythology included it seems. Not surprising though, when all you have is a record of what had happened it doesn't ever tell you why it did. That was the problem with history and has limited perspective due to surviving records not usually including a conquered nation.
"Not math today, Ichihara-kun?" it was Niijima asking. I looked at her, surprised that she opted to start a conversation. Her appearance was the same as last time. I mean, we did have uniforms so I was wearing the same thing. But Niijima's hair was precisely the same. That isn't to say she doesn't look good though… because she definitely does. But it does say something about her that she would be so exact in her day to day appearance. I liked her hair style but why the same thing every day? Actually Ann is the same way too isn't she?
I shook my head as I gave her my intention, "Today I'm going for history and the many changes of power over Greece from Ancient to Roman times."
"Any particular reason for that subject?" Niijima asked.
I thought about it for a moment, "No not really. Though it is interesting how cultures can affect one another. Although the Romans controlled Greece for hundreds of years, their lives never changed. Instead it was the Romans who were heavily influenced by Greek culture. Usually the one that invades forces their ways onto the people they conquer. After all it was Horace who said, Graecia capta ferum victorem cepit."
"Oh, is that Greek?" Niijima seemed impressed. Probably because I wasn't looking at the book for reference.
"Yeah. He's basically saying that Greece captured her rude conqueror. So although they were a conquered nation they were able to maintain their way of life. Hell, they even managed to avoid having to pay taxes thanks to some good political movement on Greece's side," I recited most of this from memory which seemed to amuse Niijima.
"It doesn't seem like you need a refresher. Is it just a favorite subject of yours?" she asks.
"I guess, it isn't like we cover much in ancient history anyway. Other than our own history. It isn't like the Sengoku era or any of our early history isn't interesting in its own right. But I feel that there should be a little more emphasis on places around the world. I guess there aren't many practical reasons to learn about this stuff," I was probably just rambling at this point. It wasn't really important what I was studying, as long as it was something I didn't know. Anything that could occupy my mind.
"I don't think it's a waste of time though," Niijima was quick to say. "You're still expanding your knowledge and that diversity can help broaden your vision."
Broaden my vision huh? Like accepting the existence of Persona, becoming a Phantom thief? Yeah, pretty sure that isn't what you mean.
"Hey, isn't that the criminal transfer student? Who does he think he is sitting with the student council president like that?" I could hear a rather loud whispering nearby. I had to wonder if Igor's gift of the Third Eye would also affect my...hmm. Yeah I guess it did work. Actually, it explained why I could so easily pick up the voices around me.
"The prez should just tell him off. He has no business being in the library," another student spoke. Yeah, okay, assholes. Let's just forget that she started talking to me first today. Wait, I'm actually curious as to who they think the President was? Was she the type to just tell someone off for bothering her?
I sighed and closed the book, "It seems people believe I'm bothering you."
"Normally I would agree," Niijima said but her smile made it look like she was more amused than anything else. It still somewhat threw me off though. But I was completely fine with this level of playfulness. She further clarified, "To be honest, I don't really talk to many people. Other than what's required of me as Student Council President I typically keep to myself."
"That is actually pretty hard to believe. An attractive girl like you would normally have a lot of friends," I said it so casually but I noted that Niijima's face grew a lot more red after I spoke. At the very least she had to be bombarded with guys asking her out pretty often. Then again… I don't know much about her. Everything had a reason. It makes me wonder though... "So do I not bother you then?"
She shook off the blush that I had unintentionally given her before she spoke again. "It's a curious thing. I mean there are a lot of rumors surrounding you. Something about you assaulting someone. Through our brief interactions I feel like there is much more to that rumor and much that is likely missing from it," Niijima looked at me.
"I could tell you the truth about that business. But if you want to just look at the record, then I'm a 16 year old with an assault charge," I looked away from her feeling a tad bit annoyed. Not at her but my need to defend myself. Her reaction made sense though, just based on what she had heard and not having a way to learn more about it. Nor should she need to. However I clarified my own position for my own sanity. "People don't care for the reason, only the result. I did what I thought to be right. And for the record I never hit the guy. He fell on his own. But since I stopped him from taking out his aggression on a woman, he decided to use his authority to ruin my future."
"You...defended a woman and got charged with assault because the man you were protecting her from fell and hurt himself?" Niijima blinked. "That's… it's stupid!"
My eyes widened when her voice raised up. It was somewhat refreshing to hear someone get angry on my account. She didn't know me though. My expression returned to a neutral state when I replied, "Stupid or not, it's what happened. Nobody cares to listen to the circumstance, and my ruling was rushed through. Before I knew it I was expelled and ended up coming here. The only High School willing to take a criminal and likely more for potential publicity. Assuming, you know, I don't end up breaking my probation by saving someone again."
"That has to be frustrating," Niijima seemed unsure of what to say. "The rumors must be hard to deal with."
I shook my head, "Nah, it's fine. People can think what they want. I know what really happened. And no amount of words will make me see it differently. And even if given the choice to do it again, I would still do the same thing. My Grandfather would be disappointed if I was any other way."
Niijima looked away, "You're strong, Ichihara."
"Says the overachieving Student Council President. I mean this stack of books is for entrance exams right? Are you already so confident about your midterms that you aren't going to review?" I took a chance to lighten the conversation.
"Oh yeah? And what about you? Shouldn't you be reviewing for your midterms? Niijima countered.
"Nope. I'm 100% confident and ready for anything these teachers can throw at me. I bet I would do pretty well in the third year midterms in fact," I gave her an arrogant look.
"Is that right? Think you can match me?" Niijima raised an eyebrow. I'm surprised she took the bait. Wait, was she smiling?
"That sounds like a tone you don't take very often," I quickly pointed out although I couldn't help but smile.
"What can I say? I feel somewhat competitive at the moment," Niijima was smiling. She seemed to be pretty amused by our back and forth.
"Alright then, Student Council President Niijima-san. What would you say to a little friendly competition?" I could play this game too. And there is nothing wrong with some extra motivation for the midterms.
"Okay, I'll bite. How would this work? We aren't taking the same midterms after all," Niijima shifted in her seat and a bit closer to me. Likely unconsciously but I couldn't help but notice.
"You raise a good point but assuming the tests are prepared the same way but based on the knowledge appropriate for different grades, it should be fair. But I think the competition is more about our effectiveness in studying than it is on the difficulty of the test," I pointed out the intention of the contest. "Are you free tomorrow?"
She blinked, "Am I...free? For what?"
"What I'm asking is for you and I to meet up at a diner in Shibuya. There, we will set out the rules and also to what would be appropriate prizes for the winner. And nothing big, just setting the ground rules is all," I said getting up to my feet. "Is that alright?"
"I...guess so?" She seemed hesitant.
"Well, I have to head out for today, but we can meet up tomorrow after school. Unless you have previous arrangements," I looked back at her.
"No, it should be fine. Student Council activities are minimal because midterms are coming up," Niijima was definitely not used to this kind of interaction because her cheeks were red and she was definitely flustered. She was doing a pretty admirable job of keeping her composure though. She was a lot of fun to tease. I should make sure I don't overdo it though.
"Then I'll see you tomorrow," I gave a slight wave and headed to the door. However, there was another reason for this. I had triggered a bond with her… just like I had with Ryuji and Ann. But something about this one was different. I'm not sure what it was but something about it felt wrong. But I could tell something was wrong. It was as if the girl that studied diligently in that chair was chained to it… and the books she studied from were her punishment.
I had to learn more, but I could tell just by the way she talks and the way people talk about her that it was not going to be easy. Hopefully this friendly competition I came up with her would be a gateway to her opening up. It honestly didn't matter if I won or lost this competition. What was important was that either way I had set up future communication with her. I would have to take this one step at a time and hope that nothing was seriously wrong in Niijima Makoto's life.
Wednesday / April 27th, 2016 / Shujin Academy - Classroom 2-D / After School
Ichihara Tadashi
Another day and it seems the teachers are trying harder to challenge me. I wish they'd stop calling on me though so I don't have to hear the ridiculous things my classmates say afterwards. I sighed but stayed sitting at my desk.
"Anything planned for today?" Morgana asked from his hiding spot inside my desk.
"Guess it depends," I shrugged as Ann got up from her seat and gathered her things. "Off to see Suzui-san?"
"Yeah," She put her bag over her shoulder and turned to me. "I just feel anxious."
"I understand that. It will be fine though," I nodded. "Catch you later then, Ann-san."
"Ichihara-san," a voice came from next to me. I looked over and found myself surprised to see Niijima Makoto standing there. "I wanted to tell you that something came up but I'll be free a bit later."
"Oh okay," I frowned a bit. It isn't that I minded meeting up later. "How about I give you my number and chat ID and you can just message me when you're free?" I pulled out my phone.
"Yeah, that would be great," Niijima pulled out her phone and after a moment we exchanged information. "I'm sorry about this. There was some sudden work because Kamoshida-sensei hasn't been coming to school. I don't think it will take too long."
"Don't worry about it," I assured her. "Being Student Council President comes first."
"I'll message you as soon as I'm done," Niijima gave a quick and short bow. "Please excuse me." She turned and walked away.
Ann, who had watched the entire exchange waiting for Niijima to leave before saying anything, "Did I miss something? When did you become friends with the Student Council President of all people?"
"Is that how it looks?" I scratched my head thinking for a moment. "Well she is definitely interesting and I do want to be friends with her. But it's complicated."
"You got her number, so that's progress. I'm going to go see Shiho, but I want to hear all about this later," Ann smiled.
"Alright, just message me tonight when you're free," I chuckled and then Ann left the classroom. I shouldn't be surprised. It isn't like I'm trying to hide who I interact with or anything. Of course, I had to interact with the Student Council President. It was literally impossible to avoid people noticing that. Well, it isn't like I can be despised even more than I already am.
"Looks like you have some time before Niijima will be free. What are you going to do?" Morgana asked. "I guess it isn't surprising that Lady Ann is going to go see Suzui."
"Nope, I doubt it's easy for her to relax when her best friend is in the hospital," I didn't really have a comparison to that situation. The only friends I had now were Ryuji and Ann. In Takayama the friends I thought I had… Even one I considered my best friend never heard me out after I was convicted. All he could do was remind me of how I had ruined everything, that our high school would no longer be able to go to the Koshien. Turns out, I really didn't have friends then. Things are a bit different now. Ann, Ryuji and I have been through something together, something that we really couldn't tell anyone. And I think we all had a good idea what each other was like. Although, I was still learning about Ann and Ryuji. "Let's go see what Ryuji is up to."
I gather up my bag on my seat, giving Morgana a chance to jump in quickly before flinging it over my shoulder and heading out of the room. Ryuji was standing by the stairs. He turned and greeted me, "Hey man. What's up? Takamaki said something like Niijima , the Student Council President, was talking to you."
"I guess Ann really did think it was odd," I shrugged. She wasn't going to let it go until I told her all about it. That was something about Ann I did know. "But yes, I actually got her number. Although it isn't what you think. To be honest, I don't even know what it could be. I challenged her to a competition over our midterms."
"Midterms? Ah, right that is coming up isn't it?" Ryuji certainly seemed like he had forgotten. I didn't want to assume Ryuji was the type to do that… but apparently he was.
"Yeah, next week," I raised an eyebrow.
"That close? Shit," Ryuji shook his head. "I don't want to think about that, dude. How about we go runnin' instead?"
"I suppose I can do that while I'm waiting for Niijima-san to message me," I said looking at my phone.
"Oh you are planning to meet up with her later?" He asked.
"Yeah, to lay down the rules of our friendly competition. And also what is at stake for incentive. Honestly, I am surprised that she is going to meet with me. I expected her to tell me it was a waste of time and I should just focus on my studies or something like that. Or maybe her buying into the rumors and not wanting to associate with me," I really had thought that she would have stayed away from me after hearing all the rumors. She just seemed like a girl that liked to keep herself clear of trouble. But at the same time something about it felt off. That was why I felt Niijima Makoto had to have something in her life that just wasn't right.
"Alright so you want to waste some time until then? Still you like… have something for this girl?" Ryuji asked.
"I wouldn't say it like that. I don't have any real ulterior motive or whatever. I only got to know her by chance anyway," I commented and sighed. "So what do you have in mind?"
"Training, of course," Ryuji grinned.
Training naturally meant running a few laps. Not a big deal, it wasn't like I was in bad shape. I mean I had played baseball and did some self defense classes. I was also pretty skilled at throwing knives actually. A skill that I had seen get quite a bit of use lately. Well, it wasn't like I was really throwing my knives in the Metaverse, but it was why I felt so at home using one. I should try throwing them sometime. Not sure how it would work either. If you think about it, a model gun can fire real bullets if the enemy believes it's real. So I wonder if I can convince an enemy that I have more than one knife? I wonder if that would actually be possible. It wouldn't be a horrible thing to learn if it was possible or not. I mean, the theory wasn't completely without merit.
My phone vibrated indicating an incoming message after Ryuji and I had stopped. Ryuji was catching a breath as I pulled out my phone.
Makoto: I just finished. Are you still able to meet up?
Tadashi: Yeah. Did you want to meet there? I'm still at the school if you want to meet up and walk over together.
Makoto: I had to run home to do something for my sister. So meet you at the diner?
Tadashi: Sounds good. I'll see you soon.
I put my phone away, "Well I gotta take off."
"Are you really meeting up with the Student Council President?" Ryuji seemed to not believe it. I wonder if that was more because of what he knew about me or the reputation she had.
"Is it strange or something?" I raised an eyebrow.
"I dunno," he shrugged. "I heard she's like the perfect student, but that she doesn't really have friends."
"Well that will just make this all the more interesting," I commented as I gave a wave to him and walked off. I quickly changed back to my school uniform and headed out of Shujin Academy and to the train station. I knew that there were plenty of rumors about me going around school. It seemed even Niijima Makoto wasn't immune to such things. She had gotten the Student Council President position so people had voted for her to do it. You would think it would mean you had the approval of the student body but it seemed like none of that mattered any more. Not when adults came into view.
I still didn't know much about Makoto. As I entered the subway train I pulled out my phone and checked my brief exchange with her. She had a sister, it seems. That didn't tell me about her home situation though. I wanted to know though. Something about it made me feel like I needed to know but I wonder if it was curiosity or if I was wondering if Makoto was okay. What was it about her that made me so… concerned?
It was pointless. If there was something I should know by now, it is that no good ever came from sticking my head into unnecessary business. It isn't like I had much in the way of hope for my new life anyway. Phantom Thieves? Give me a break. I'm so fucking done with all of this. At least my time with Makoto had the promise of being normal. I even feel a little less pissed off when she is around. Actually I don't think I've sworn once around her. Weird.
My mind remained occupied as I made my way to Shibuya and the diner on central street. What was it called? Natsu Diner? It was a good place, quiet and good food. It was usually empty though, which I found surprising. It made it a good spot to go for times like this though.
I shouldn't worry so much about Niijima Makoto's situation though. It isn't like I don't have enough to worry about with my probation… oh and being a goddamn Phantom Thief. Besides, I might just be overly paranoid and Makoto had an excellent life.
I arrived before I had realized and made my way up the stairs to the diner. Looks like Makoto was already there and so after a brief exchange with the waitress I moved to the booth and sat across from her. We were in the back but still at a window that overlooked the alley of Shibuya. As I put my bag down, I noticed Morgana had taken the chance to run off.
Makoto smiled but seemed to be nervous as she was rubbing her left elbow with her right hand and didn't meet my eyes for more than a moment. If what Ryuji said was true then she never went out with friends… much less a guy. I guess I can just figure out how she feels as we talk...
"Hope you didn't wait long Niijima-senpai," I said as I made myself comfortable. "I would have been sooner but I was doing a bit of a workout with Ryuji."
"Oh, it's quite alright. I had heard you hung out with Sakamoto-kun," Makoto was likely making small talk but I'll bite. She likely heard a lot of rumors in her position.
"Yeah I heard there was quite a bit of controversy when the track team was still around. But I doubt many people listened to his side of the story. Which is something I can relate to," I shrugged as a waitress came up to us.
"Good evening. I'm Natsukawa Shiori and I'll be your server. What can I get for you two?" the waitress asked.
"Yeah, I'll take just some water and the nostalgic steak," I said after a brief glance at the menu. I'd been here before so I knew more or less what I wanted.
"Oh, umm..." Makoto was glancing through the menu but seemed unsure what to order. "I'll have some coffee and I guess the same as what he is having."
"You want some sugar and cream with that?" Shiori asked her.
"Ye-Yes, that would be great," She nodded and handed her menu to Shiori and I did as well. Makoto was definitely nervous being here with me. Eesh, I hope that rumor about me hadn't twisted her image of me to be worse than before...
"Alright, I'll get your orders in. You two have fun now," the waitress gave a playful wink before walking off. She was definitely misinterpreting this scene as the two of us being on a date. I glanced at Makoto as she definitely was out of sorts. But I think she was having more of a personal crisis than to realize what Shiori had been suggesting. She would likely freak out if she did. Better distract her for now.
"So your sister needed something?" I decided to start there.
"Oh yeah. She had asked me to put her laundry in and I actually forgot to do so. So I ran home and put them in. That way it's done before my sister gets home. I did send her a message to tell her I'd be out a little later than usual so it should be fine," Makoto explained, perhaps a bit more than she intended.
It was enough for me to get an indication and make a guess at her situation, "So you live with your sister?"
"Yeah, it's just Onee-san and I. My Dad died a while ago. And Mom was gone before him," she admitted.
So her parents were gone and all she had was her sister? That had to be rough. I guess it makes me wonder why she tries so hard at school. I mean she was Student Council President and yet her time outside of that was focused on her studies. What concerned me more about it was that Ryuji might be right and Makoto didn't really have friends at school. I don't know what it was but something just felt off.
"So how will our competition go?" Makoto asked.
I guess she didn't want to linger on that topic. Might not be a good subject for her… I looked out the window of the diner. There was still light out, so it should be a little bit of time before it moved into the evening. I wasn't trying to rush but I didn't want Makoto to feel uncomfortable. "I think it's fair if we do a competition just based on the end result of the midterm. Granted the material we cover will be different but we are in different grades. The way the tests are prepped are essentially the same and the difficulty is appropriate to our respective grade level. What do you think?'
"That's a good point. It wouldn't be fair or even possible to take the same test. And Shujin Academy is a prep school so the tests are harder than most," Makoto nodded her head. "Okay so how about the winner is whoever ranks higher among their grade?"
"Alright sounds good. But what if we tie?" I asked.
"Then we both win?" Makoto suggested.
"So there isn't a loser? Okay instead how about we determine what we want to happen when someone wins," I had a general idea but it didn't really matter to me win or lose. That wasn't to say I wasn't going to try and win though. "How about the loser treats the winner to whatever the winner wants. It can be a movie, a meal or karaoke. What do you think?"
She thought about it for a moment but before she could reply the waitress showed up.
"Here are your drinks," Shiori said as she put them down in front of us. Putting a cup of coffee down and then a thing of sugar and cream for her to add. "Your food should be up shortly. Sorry about the wait, my brother is very particular when it comes to the steak."
"Oh, your brother is the chef?" I asked her.
"Not normally, but our usual chef is out sick so he is filling in. He's one of the few that knows the menu front and back," Shiori giggled, although I think it was her words that had prompted a thought that had amused her. Her brother must be pretty prideful if he takes his time on the food. Well, the food here was good. Why shouldn't he have pride?
"We aren't in a rush, we can wait," I assured her.
"Thank you," Makoto added.
"I'll be back in a bit with your food then," Shiori then walked away.
"Coffee, huh? I take it you have some late nights on occasion," I commented.
"Thankfully not many. I try to keep my duties for the Student Council and studies manageable so that I don't tire myself out," Makoto said after a moment. She began to put some sugar and cream into her coffee cup as she looked back at me. "So if you win, what would you ask for?"
A fair question considering we really didn't know each other. "Hmm...Karaoke, probably. It's been a long time since I've been able to do that. And I'm interested to see you in an environment where you're having fun and not something related to school. But if you aren't comfortable with singing or being alone with me then you can always have someone come with us."
Makoto had a small smile on her face, "You sound confident."
"Confident? Maybe. I mean, at least in my ability to take a test. But it also means you have a bit of an advantage. I don't know how well you've done in the past. Not knowing that means I just have to try and hit number one. But what's a gamble without some unknown factors?" I shrugged a bit before taking a drink from my water.
"That's one way to look at it," Makoto seemed to be hesitant about the subject. "I think if I win, I'd want to go somewhere different from where I usually go. I guess that isn't really helpful information."
"As long as we don't try to break the bank with where we pick to go I don't think we need to come up with it right this moment," I try to ease her a bit. It really wasn't important to me if I won or lost. And I did have some money stored up so I don't think she would pick anything that would hurt me too much money wise. I might as well address her nerves. "You're really nervous about being here with me, aren't you?"
She didn't really need to answer, I could see how nervous she was. She kept messing with her hair and rubbing her shoulder and then always averting her eyes but trying to be respectable and looking at me when I was talking. "I've never really done something like this," Makoto finally said. "I've never really been out to eat like this with anyone other than my sister."
I believed it. That just made my feeling that something was up even stronger though. "Just never had the chance or a lack of confidence?"
"Onee-san said I should focus on my education over friends. That just sounds like an excuse, I know," Makoto sighed. "If I told you I just wasn't sure how to talk to others would that make sense to you?"
"Sure," I shrugged. "Life isn't so simple that it always goes the way you expect. I will admit I had made assumptions about you. Then again if all the rumors I heard were true then you wouldn't have given me the time of day to even talk to you."
"I've never given much stock in rumors. But it is hard to ignore when it seems like it is all anyone talks about recently," she shifted slightly in her seat.
Rumors did seem to be running pretty rampant in the school. But it also seemed like the news was filled with nothing but reports about the mental shutdown cases. Doesn't exactly leave much to talk about except the rumor mill. Not that I expect high school students to pay much attention to the news. Because they usually don't.
"Sorry about the wait," a young man appeared and placed a plate in front of both Makoto and I. He seemed to be older than us but likely not by much. His tone indicated that he was exhausted though.
"Onii-chan, you have to put in a little more energy into your words, even if you are tired," Shiori reprimanded her brother as she refilled my glass of water. "This is Natsukawa Naozumi, the owner of the restaurant."
"You own this place? That's impressive," I really was impressed. Especially for someone that seemed to be as young as Naozumi. I had expected someone much older.
"Not really," he shook his head. "I inherited it after Shiori and I's Father passed away. Since my older brother decided he'd rather skip town after he graduated high school than take over the family business. I don't really blame him though. I was always more interested in it than he was."
"Onii-chan, you're rambling," Shiori commented.
"R-right, sorry about that. I've just been stressed lately," he apologized with a slight bow to us.
"No, it is quite alright. Running a business must be difficult," Makoto said.
"He also has college classes to worry about," Shiori added.
"Shiori, I doubt they care to hear the details of my life. Anyway, please enjoy the meal. Let me know if it isn't to your liking," Naozumi gave another quick bow and then pulled his sister away with him. Hmm? A new bond? Here? With Naozumi? Eesh, it really does happen just about anywhere. Still, a college student that was juggling school and a business? He likely would have a lot of insight in regards to time management. Definitely something I could stand to learn.
"I wonder how it would be to have that much responsibility for both school and managing a business," Makoto commented before she started to cut her steak and then took a bite. "Oh. It's really good."
"I'm sure you have at least some idea. What with having to manage your Student Council work and studies," I said as I cut my own steak and took a bite. My eyes widened a bit as the taste hit my tongue. This really was good. I wasn't much for steak but after tasting this maybe it was just because I had never tasted a good steak. The balance of flavor was something else. Hearing about how Naozumi took the time to cook it till he was satisfied really showed. "Wow, I mean I had this before but Natsukawa is better than his other cook."
"I doubt my Student Council work and studies are as difficult as running a business and studying for college though," Makoto took a few more bites of her food. Her own eyes lit up, surprised by the taste. "Anyway, in that regard, shouldn't you be at an advantage for our wager with having more time to study?"
"Maybe but you also have every right to refuse me. Or I could limit my study time to your schedule for it to be fair," I told her as I cut more of the steak and took a few more bites. Damn, this was good. Holy shit, I didn't think food was supposed to be this good. Focus, moron. "Back to our previous discussion though. I'm sure you've heard some concerning rumors about me. So I'd understand if you'd rather not get involved with me."
"You indicated before that it wasn't something you were concerned with," Makoto spoke carefully as she was picking up her own silverware and moved to cut her steak but stopped. "Would you be willing to tell me the truth of how all of that originated? I mean you were falsely accused to begin with but I'd like to hear the details."
I placed a piece of steak in my mouth and chewed on it to let there be some time for her question to hang in the air. "In that case, if you win, I'll answer any question you want to ask." I added this condition without much thought but I thought it was fair. "Ultimately it will still be up to you to judge what is true or not."
"I suppose that's true of all things. I can accept that," she said before taking a bite of her own food.
There wasn't much time before multiple things would play out. Would Kamoshida truly have a change of heart? More concerning was the after effect and fallout of it actually succeeding. This was definitely a situation of damned if you do… damned if you don't.
I said that but I am also getting involved with the Student Council President and I know that will definitely lead to some complications after the result of Kamoshida's change of heart becomes clear. But hey… I also might be expelled anyway so maybe it won't fucking matter and I won't even get to take the goddamn midterms.
That's life for you, or rather, my life. Just when I start to believe I have a handle on it and well… everything just goes to shit. Yet here I was hoping beyond hope that something about it would fucking change. Also what was the deal with me forming the start of a bond with Naozumi after just a brief exchange? When is anything ever going to start making any goddamn sense?
The terms agreed upon, the two of us finished the meal and I paid for the two of us. She was hesitant to accept this kindness but I managed to convince her. We split after leaving the restaurant, but I stopped and turned and watched her walk away. Sure, she didn't have much social experience, but the way she moved was mesmerizing. Every step, every sway of her hip had purpose and had little wasted movement.
There was a lot more to Niijima Makoto, but something still made me uneasy. Either way, I wanted to learn more about her.
Monday / May 2nd, 2016 / Shujin Academy - Gymnasium / Early Morning
Ichihara Tadashi
"What's with the sudden morning assembly...?" a girl with brown hair spoke not too far from where Ryuji and I were standing. Ann was standing closer to the front. I could take a couple wild guesses as to what the assembly was about but I thought it would be much more entertaining to not know. Since my future was pretty much hinging on Kamoshida's heart being changed before I got expelled today. So… I was a little tense to say the least.
"I bet it's about that girl that jumped the other day," a girl next to the brown haired one spoke. From a glance she seemed to have waaaaaay too much makeup on. Talk about gaudy as hell.
"They don't have to tell us not to commit suicide," the brown haired girl scoffed. Tch, fucking ignorant people. Do people not understand where the motivation for suicide comes from? No, of course not. Telling people not to commit suicide is pointless. There is always a cause, a reason that leads to someone doing such an act. Sometimes it is related to their home life or social life. And then on occasion it has nothing to do with their psyche at all but their actual physiology and the chemicals in the brain. Depression can be caused for a number of reasons.
Why do I let myself get fucking drawn in by pointless comments by people that only care about outward appearances?
"There was that weird calling card too, so I guess the teachers are freaking out?" the gaudy girl suggested.
"People sure do like to talk," Ryuji muttered from next to me.
"It's fine if it has nothing to do with you. That's how it usually goes with people anyway. If you aren't really affected then talking like that doesn't matter. You aren't being affected by it and even if someone takes offense to it you can ignore it. From what Ann-san said...Suzui-san isn't really close to many people herself. Still, let them say what they want. We have different things to worry about," I spoke with a slight shrug. I could care less what people thought. In this instance it would either be business as usual or I was basically going to juvenile hall. Wait, did getting expelled break probation? Probably. Yeah so...happy times ahead.
"That's certainly true," Ryuji scratched the back of his head.
Ann looked like she was stressed too. I imagine we all were. I guess it wouldn't be much waiting to do. The bald pudgy man that was Principal Kobayakawa stood up to the podium of the gymnasium stage.
"Let's begin this school-wide morning assembly," He announced. This quickly brought the conversations to a stop. I guess this also meant that Makoto was somewhere in the room. This will be a fun event. "As you all know, a tragic event took place the other day."
Oh? So now he's going to talk about it? Fuck this guy. How long had it actually been since Suzui-san's suicide attempt? It had been well over a week since then. And now this asshole wants to talk about it? Let's not even mention that her suicide attempt was kept out of the public news. Let me guess...for the good of the school's reputation right? Same reason they accepted me into this place...so that if I go through the whole year they can be a school that rehabilitates troubled and violent youth. Fucking adults are all the same.
"Thankfully, we have been informed that she has pulled through, but it will take time until she recovers," the principal informs. My mind stops for a moment and I blink. She's recovered? I'll be damned, the fucking principal said something I was happy to hear. "Everyone here has a bright future ahead. I implore that you rethink the importance of life and-"
The principal is interrupted by the sound of a door being opened rather loudly. Appearing from the doorway was none other than Kamoshida himself.
"Kamoshida-sensei, what's the-" the principal started but trails off when Kamoshida begins to speak.
"I... have been reborn," Kamoshida's tone is light and sounds markedly different than usual. Was this it? Has his heart truly been changed? "That is why I will confess everything to you all..."
His words immediately spark conversations in whispers around the room and Kamoshida slowly walks his way to the stage and stands there dejected. The principal is at a loss of words as well. Still...it worked? Okay then...what the fuck was this guy going to say? As if words meant much after all the shit he has done.
"I have repeatedly done things that were... unbecoming of a teacher. Verbally abusing students... physically abusing my team, and... sexually harassing female students. I am the reason why Suzui Shiho tried to kill herself," Kamoshida's words were loud and clear. He fell to his knees and although the whispering around got more intense I had my eyes focused on Kamoshida. "I thought of this school as my own castle... There were even students that I sentenced to expulsion, simply because I didn't like them... I will, of course, rescind those... I am truly sorry for putting innocent youths through such horrible acts... I am an arrogant, shallow... and shameful person. No, I'm worse than that..."
My eyes narrowed. He actually meant these words… didn't he? Taking his distorted desires… What did that actually do?
"I will take responsibility and kill myself for it..." Kamoshida put his forehead to the ground and was now fully putting himself at the mercy of the students. The crowd erupted into much louder conversations as a result of these words.
Tch, a fucking coward to the end it seems. Running away from your crimes after you admit to them. As if killing yourself is some sort of equal trade off. Sexual abuse is something the girls will have to live with for the rest of their goddamn lives. That kind of shit doesn't go away. The Principal finally reacted.
"Kamoshida-sensei. Please get off the stage for now," Principal Kobayakawa pleaded. Oh really? Don't want your teacher admitting to the truth? He must have fucking knew what Kamoshida had been doing all this time. That asshole.
"Everyone, return to your classes!" Another teacher followed suit to try and stop this from happening.
However, Ann's voice cut through the noise, "Don't run, you bastard!" Her voice could be heard and it caused the gymnasium to go quiet. "Shiho's still alive even after all the things that made her want to die! You have no right to run from this!"
I smiled. How could I not? Ann was finally speaking out… and not just in the Metaverse. In front of all these people she was demanding the man who had wronged her and her friend to live his life… to atone and pay for the crimes he committed.
Yeah, this was the kind of friend I had always wanted. Her and Ryuji. Ryuji had struck out against Kamoshida and may be responsible for the track team being closed but he hadn't accepted things for the "good" of the team. He had never backed down from Kamoshida… not once. Still, there was only so much power we had as teenagers. Ann wanted to protect her friend, and Kamoshida had blackmailed her using her best friend as leverage. Ann was doing the best she could with the options available to her. Those options had changed and a new way had opened to her with us and the Metaverse. She always had the ability to stand on her own… to go against what she knew was wrong. She just needed a little help. And really we all did from time to time. Sometimes, we just can't see it for ourselves. But she never gave up. Neither her, nor Ryuji. If I could really have friends like them… true friends… then what little threat of expulsion or juvenile hall really have on me? Some things in life have no equal value.
"You're right... You're absolutely right... I should be punished under the law and atone for my crimes... I did horrible things to Takamaki-san as well. In return for giving Suzui-san a position on the team... I tried to force her into having relations," Kamoshida admitted openly while he kept his head low. The change in heart truly made him regret his actions... "As of today, I will resign from my position as an instructor and turn myself in. Someone, please call the police."
"Wow..." Ryuji muttered next to me.
Yeah, that was my reaction too. It worked? It really worked? What the actual fuck? This couldn't be real, could it? I mean, I know what the possible outcomes were. I just didn't expect it to happen like this. I somewhat expected him to drop dead instead. But this... this... it was like someone had flipped a switch and now Kamoshida had completely changed. Although… that itself could be a problem. This was what he deserved, to have the guilt of his actions crushing down on him. For him to see and empathize for the victims that he created. And knowing that no action would ever truly make up for what he had done. Kamoshida Suguru was now a man who would forever be burdened by his sins.
"This morning's assembly is over! Return to your classes immediately!" one of the teachers was now more forcibly trying to disperse the students.
"Isn't this just like what that calling card said?" a student near Ryuji and I said. It was hard not to overhear.
"Does this mean the Phantom Thieves thing was for real?" another said.
"Was something done to Kamoshida?" the first student questioned.
"C'mon, there's no way you could steal someone's heart," the other immediately dismissed the idea. It was definitely not normal. That is for damn sure. It was suspicious all the way around. I was part of the responsible party and I thought it was fucking unbelievable and goddamn terrifying.
"But why else would he start saying things like he'll kill himself or turn himself in?" a girl next to the pair of guys chimed in.
"Maybe because it almost got leaked? Don't they go easier on you if you turn yourself in?" it was the girl with the crazy amount of makeup again.
"I wonder what happened..." The first guy spoke again.
"Who knows? But man, Kamoshida turned out to be one sick bastard," his friend said.
It was getting louder now.
"Return to your classrooms at once!" The teacher was calling out in vain it seemed. But then the teachers seemed to be a bit more unified and started ushering everyone out.
Ann, Ryuji and I hung back and somehow didn't get ushered out as well. We stood against the wall and shortly the police showed up and we watched as there was an exchange between them and Kamoshida. In the end, they put cuffs onto him and left the gymnasium and school. The three of us stood there. Ann stared up at the stage where Kamoshida had confessed to his crimes. Likely he would give the police full details of the things he had done against the students. How far did the abuse go? How many girls that had been scarred by him could finally sleep easier and come to school finally feeling safe? I could only hope that it would give these girls comfort.
"His heart really did change..." Ann said just loud enough for us to hear.
"Seems like it," Ryuji was likely unsure of what to say.
"Fucking hell. That was like a rude awakening. No doubt his absence up to this point had been his head trying to sort out everything. And the realization of the actions he had done," I sighed. "Maybe this is actually the real Kamoshida. The one that existed before his desires became twisted. Before the pressures of the world made him seek a place of refuge."
"That doesn't excuse-"
"That isn't what I'm saying," I quickly cut Ann off, as she had turned to me with anger. I locked eyes with her. "We all have a choice. He couldn't handle it so he made a bad choice. And then another, and then another. Soon he was so far into it that he embraced it and enjoyed all the benefits it gave him. He lost sight of what was right and wrong along the way. It doesn't excuse him for the things he did. He's responsible for all of that, and he will pay for it. But you should never forget Ann-san that every fucking choice we make has consequences. And the three of us made one of our own. This outcome is the consequence of our actions. Confessing to his crimes and being punished for it is the right thing but do not forget the truth. It wasn't his goddamn choice. We forced that realization onto him. Even if it was the right thing to do, we took his choices away from him. Don't forget just exactly what kind of terrifying power we used to bring that son of a bitch to justice."
"Right, you aren't saying he doesn't deserve it… only that we should be wary of the power we used to do it," Ann nodded when she realized my intent.
I tilted my head as Ann and Ryuji heard what I said and I noticed a few people approaching us. Mishima and a couple girls from Ann and I's class.
"Takamaki-san... I'm sorry," Mishima bowed as Ann turned towards him. "We all knew... but we pretended we didn't."
"Takamaki-san, I had you all wrong... I'm sorry that I spread rumors about you," the girl with brown hair spoke. Can't say I remember her name.
"I didn't know at all," the black haired girl added. I think she sat on the other side of the room but I guess Ann knew them. "Kamoshida was forcefully pushing himself on you... It must've been so hard on you."
"I'm sure there's a ton of people who want to apologize to you," the brown haired girl spoke. "We're so sorry." Both girls bowed as well.
Ann shook her head, "No, It's okay. The same goes for me too... Besides, that's all in the past now."
"Hey, you there! Return to class at once," a teacher yelled at us from across the room.
"W-Well, see you later then..." the brown haired girl said. The girls walked off and the teacher seemed to disappear back outside of the gymnasium. I imagine things were a bit of a mess right now with the teachers. And doubtful that students had all returned to their classrooms. I'm curious if Makoto, our Student Council President, was being overloaded due to all of this commotion.
Mishima looked to me, "I can't apologize enough for what I did to you. I swear I'll make it up to you someday." He then turned and headed out of the gymnasium.
Oh, right. Kamoshida had pointed out that Mishima had been the one to leak my criminal record online to the rest of the school. Honestly, I could care less if the whole school knew about it.
My Grandfather would just say it was an ultimate test of my will. Grandfather would have proudly stood at my side and believed in me from the beginning. Who do you believe in this situation? You're friends or someone that clearly has an agenda? Well, I suppose that isn't fair as Kamoshida likely didn't come off that way initially. It wasn't until you were in his grasp and he had the clear advantage that his intentions came out. The school had been controlled by fear. Now, that is gone.
Naturally Kamoshida came off wrong to me from the beginning, after all he had perceived me as a threat before I had even arrived. It was the only reason that fool had decided to leak my records to the school. My guess was that he had heard about what I had done as a star baseball player and didn't want me to have any success here… on the grounds that I might steal a bit of his limelight. It was the same exact reason he destroyed Ryuji and the track team. After all, any success other than the volleyball team would lessen his overall impact and freedom to do as he pleased. At the very least I suspect that was what his motivation had been.
"Looks like Kamoshida ain't the only one that had a change of heart," Ryuji said as the door to the gymnasium closed and the three of us were alone. He looked to Ann, "Man, I'm glad for you. Looks like those weird rumors are gonna go away."
"My thing doesn't really matter," Ann shook her head. "We made Kamoshida apologize about Shiho... That's more than enough for me."
"Sounds to me like you have a visit to make today," I smiled.
"You should hurry and tell her about it then," Ryuji encouraged her.
"Yeah, I will," Ann had a smile on her lips. "Come on, we still have school to get through."
I guess this was okay for now. The only thing to do was to see how Kamoshida's change of heart would affect the school. And I had to wonder what would come next.
Monday / May 2nd, 2016 / Shujin Academy - Rooftop / After School
Ichihara Tadashi
Ryuji, Morgana and I were on the rooftop. More or less are unofficial headquarters. Though what exactly happens now is anyone's guess. The gold medal that we took from Kamoshida's palace was on the top of one of the abandoned desks and… what was that by the school's air units? Plants? Does someone come up here to take care of them? I raised an eyebrow before Ryuji pulled me back into the conversation.
"I totally freaked out... He really did have a change of heart... And we were lucky his mind didn't get messed up either. This was an A+ job," Ryuji seemed quite proud. All things considered it turned out to be the best possible outcome.
"Lucky is right. It was a huge gamble considering we didn't know what the fuck would happen. Not that we had much choice though," I muttered with a sigh.
"Does this mean that they won't have a mental shutdown even if their Palace disappears?" Morgana thought out loud. He hadn't been sure of the outcome either after all. "I see... So we need to persuade the Shadow without killing it, and then send it back to its real self. Our targets won't undergo a cognitive collapse if we do that."
Actually… that made a lot of sense. "Morgana the Shadows are a part of that person right?" I asked.
"That's correct," he nodded.
"That's why they can't be killed. Doing so would literally be killing off a part of their mind. That must be what leads to a cognitive collapse," I explained just for Ryuji's benefit.
"So, we can get 'em to confess with no bad stuff?" Ryuji grins. "Hey! That works for me!"
The door swings open and Ann walks onto the roof. "Do you have to be so loud?" she shakes her head as she walks over.
"Don't worry about it," Ryuji rolled it off. Seemed like his mood wasn't going to get dimmer no matter what happened. "So... how'd it go? With Suzui, I mean."
"You went straight over there as soon as the bell rang, I imagine," I asked.
She nodded and then smiled big, "She's regained consciousness." Ann proudly declares. I couldn't help but smile at this news.
"For real?" Ryuji was affected by the news too.
"It was only for a little bit, but I got to talk to her. I was able to tell her that Kamoshida admitted to what he did," Ann had tears in her eyes and was trying to wipe them away. "Shiho, she... she told me she was sorry. Looks like she found out that I was flirting with Kamoshida for her sake. And here I was, wanting to apologize to her."
I could see a scene like that. It made me a bit envious actually. They truly were best friends. Each of them was doing what they could to protect the other. I looked away for a moment as an annoying thought came to my mind. I had been accused of something that my "friends" in that no-name town should have known I would never do. But my parents and the people I had known for most of my life shunned me… ostracized me without even a second thought. After I was arrested, the only one I saw was Atsuhiro. Not even Kazuha had seen me. Ann had a true friend. And she really treasured her...just like she should. Yeah… it was definitely something to be fucking envious about. Goddamnit.
"Kamoshida's at fault for all this," Morgana reminded Ann.
"I know," Ann took a deep breath. "Shiho's mom is thinking of transferring her to another school after she recovers. The whole sexual harassment and attempted suicide... people will label her after that. Sounded like Shiho had the same idea too."
"True enough, as sad as that is. Besides, she doesn't need to finish school somewhere she has memories like those," I added.
"Yeah, I agree," Ann nodded.
"It's gonna get lonely..." Ryuji commented.
"It's for the best. I'm sure it'll be hard if she stays here, like Tadashi-kun says," Ann added.
"She's alive. You can see her anytime. A small trip down a train is a small price to pay," Ryuji gave Ann a comforting smile. These two… it always seems like they are a lot closer than they appear. The two had known each other since middle school. Maybe it was just that familiarity that I was sensing. Though Ryuji was pretty conscious of Ann's feelings.
"...I need to change too," Ann said somewhat quietly.
"That aside, I was surprised you could hold yourself back against Kamoshida's Shadow," Ryuji commented.
"It wasn't like that... I just wanted Kamoshida to apologize himself," Ann shrugged.
"You're so kind, Lady Ann," Morgana tried to put in a compliment.
I wanted to smack my head, "You two don't get it at all if you think she was being kind."
"No matter how much of a shit bag he was, finishing him off woulda left a bad aftertaste, huh?" Ryuji thought he figured it out.
"Huh? That's not it," Ann had a look that confirmed what I knew her real reasoning had been. "I think revenge is better served if I make him repent. Realizing what he's done, he'll grovel for forgiveness the rest of his life, you know? I just believe there are fates worse than death."
"Holy shit..." Ryuji's eyes go wide. At least he gets it now.
"There is a reason why giving death to your enemies was considered a fucking mercy on the battlefield," I put my hands up with a shrug.
"A-Anyways, that's all settled... But you know, there was one more thing I was wonderin' about that castle. Why was Kamoshida the only one who had that Metaverse thing?" Ryuji asked.
"It isn't necessarily limited to him. It's something anyone could have if their heart became warped from their desires," Morgana gave a rather brief explanation.
"Anyone..." Ann was definitely concerned with that.
"Wanna check it out?" Morgana asked which made me raise an eyebrow.
"That is so goddamn vague I don't know what to say," I eyed the cat.
"Doesn't matter. We shouldn't right now. We better lay low for a while. People are still gonna be talkin' about Kamoshida," Ryuji jumped in. He was certainly right. It was going to be the talk of the school for the immediate future.
"The whole dynamic of the school has just been changed. We don't know how this is going to affect us. And so we definitely don't want to stand out by doing anything that can make us more infamous than we already are. Well... most of us. Ann-san's reputation is much better than Ryuji and I," the truth was annoying sometimes. But this was typical anyway. The girls would likely sympathize with Ann because of what she went through with Kamoshida. Which is something they should empathize with.
However, the incident dealing with Ryuji and the track team likely wasn't going to become school knowledge even if Kamoshida admits it to the police. And my reputation had been ruined by my criminal record being spread. Kamoshida had simply made sure that information was out there to ruin potential friends or a place for me at the school. He hadn't falsified that information or pulled it from nowhere. Kamoshida's influence is gone but some of what he did wasn't ever going away. My plan of a quiet uneventful time of being in Tokyo on parole was already out the fucking window, so I didn't give two shits about it.
"At the same time, it's totally impossible for someone to find out what we did at his Palace," Ryuji commented.
"Yeah, about that... Weird rumors about you guys are already going around," Ann was bringing bad news it seemed. "Stuff like, you got together and threatened Kamoshida with something close to physical violence."
"The hell?" Ryuji's eyes widened.
I felt a headache coming on, "Is it really that surprising? We openly chased down Mishima and then when he talked, you stormed straight to the PE faculty office like a bat out of hell. You didn't think that someone wasn't going to notice you? And if I hadn't been there you would have punched him. And you weren't exactly being subtle with kicking that desk and yelling at him either."
"Shit," Ryuji cursed thinking back on it.
"People aren't going to easily believe that phantom thieves really exist. The calling card's being treated like it was a prank by someone who knew what Kamoshida was doing," Ann explained.
"Makes sense," Ryuji looked glum though. "We're the ones who did it, and I still don't completely believe it myself."
"This isn't how things like this are supposed to go. Someone with that kind of power and influence doesn't just one day show up and turn himself in. Everything that happened before is going to be scrutinized so try to be careful with what you say and do from now on," I gave a warning to Ryuji than Ann but this was more a blanket warning. I'm not sure if my message was sinking in with Ryuji though, goddamnit. This is going to be a trend, isn't it?
That was the truth of the situation though. People had definitely seen Ryuji make a charge to the PE faculty office, with Mishima and I following behind. Without really any other thing to explain it… it was the most logical of the available options for students. And easy enough to pin the fucking blame on a pair of "delinquents".
"Let's wait for things to settle down for the time being," Ann suggested.
"In that case, let's check how much this medal can be sold for," Ryuji was changing gears. He had actually been on his phone for a while, likely trying to find out that very thing. "It would be better if we pawned it off ASAP. Ooh, got a hit!" He looked at his phone and blinked a few times. "...Wait, thirty thousand yen? That's all a gold medal's worth?"
"Remember that time in middle school? I lent you some money..." Ann had quite the smile on her face right now.
Ryuji glared up at her, "There's no way I borrowed thirty thousand yen from you."
"Wouldn't it be around that much with compounded interest?" Ann pressed.
My eyebrow goes up, "What kind of interest rates do you have? I feel like this is more of a loan shark situation."
"Interest my ass!" Ryuji wasn't having any of it, understandably.
"I'm not saying that I'm taking all of it," Ann shrugged. "I mean, it's your fault for not paying me back all these years. It's just common sense."
"We all stole this thing, you know? Don't Morgana and I get a say in this?" I shake my head.
"I agree on laying low and keeping an eye on the situation. However, you dragged me into this. It would be nonsense not to celebrate a successful mission," Morgana brought at least a sensible voice of reason. I didn't really care to celebrate anything other than not being expelled and being thrown into juvenile hall.
How bad would that have been? Sorry, Makoto. We couldn't have our competition because I'm now locked away until I hit 18… where I might possibly have a chance for parole. That is to say that she would also want nothing to do with me ever again as I would be a criminal. I'd be in juvenile hall where only Ann, Ryuji and Morgana would know I was innocent… and a whole lot of good they'd be able to do for me. What the fuck am I doing? In this situation all I can think about is if a girl would even care if I was gone or not? Maybe I should want to celebrate like a normal person… but I just don't think it's anything to celebrate about. There was just too much going on in this situation. And too much about it scared me.
"I guess we could blow this dirty money on something fun," Ryuji suggested.
"Discussions among phantom thieves are to take place over luxurious food. How about it?" Morgana asked.
I slumped and put my elbow on my leg and held my head up with my hand, "Can we not use the term thief?"
"What was that, Tadashi?" Morgana asked.
"Nothing!" I grumbled.
"I guess it's fine. There's somewhere I want to go then," Ann seemed to be okay with the idea.
"Where's that?" Ryuji asks.
"It's a place Shiho and I have been wanting to go for a while," Ann gave a vague explanation.
"I owe money, so I can't complain..." Ryuji looked at me. "You good with that?"
"I could give two shits about what we do. You two seem to have already decided anyway," I'm starting to get really irritated by this conversation. "Do whatever the fuck you want."
Ann and Ryuji shared a look but obviously had no idea why I was upset.
"I'll leave it to your discretion as well, Lady Ann," Morgana seemed more than willing to just be agreeable to whatever Ann said. But his words broke Ann and Ryuji's focus on me.
"I'll call and check the prices later then," Ann nodded.
"When should we go? Wanna do it soon, like tomorrow?" Ryuji sounded eager. Did the two of them like...starve most of the time or something? Who the hell wants to go all out on eating food? Please let it be someplace with some normal food. I had a bad feeling I was going to lose in this situation.
"Why don't we go on the last day of the holidays?" Ann suggested. Oh, right. Golden week was starting. "It'll help energize us when school starts up again the day after."
"Then... the 5th, on Children's Day," Ryuji cemented the date.
"So, who's going to sell this?" Ann indicated the gold medal on the desk.
"Leave that to us. We know a store that'll buy anything. Don't we, Tadashi?" Morgana said proudly. Fuck you, Morgana.
"OK, I'll leave that to you guys," Ann smiled.
I sighed and looked away. Celebrating was okay I suppose. And going out on a holiday together wouldn't be suspicious. However, I still felt a bit of tension in my chest that just wasn't going away. What is going to happen now? How would the school be like with Kamoshida gone? What would the public reaction be...or would that news be snuffed out and not allowed to the public? There were too many unanswered questions. Just what exactly was the consequence to our actions? You better fucking believe there was going to be some.
He is punished for his crime and then happily ever after? I'm sorry but the world doesn't work that way. Newton's law was a perfect analogy to this situation and why I was still on edge. For every action, there is an equal but opposite reaction. There is also another phrase that I feel goes perfectly with our situation. No good deed goes unpunished.
A/N:
And that wraps up the Kamoshida arc. But Tadashi isn't exactly eager for any continued excursions into the Metaverse, or even their indulgence in a celebration. And he is definitely not enamored by the word thief. We'll definitely see more of Tadashi's hesitation on that front as we move into the next section. Which brings us back to Makoto.
Obviously, Makoto is going to become more involved as we go. They've set up a competition for the first round of exams, with a wager and stakes at play, that might be more problematic than Tadashi realizes. There interactions here are some of my favorite. Before either really know much about the other and yet find themselves pulled towards each other. But I think there are a lot of reasons where this makes sense. Mostly because the game has a habit of not letting people interact before they become relevant to the story. But you can see Makoto in the library a few times before you officially meet her in the story for the first time. It was why the interaction of them in the library felt natural to me. But what always seemed strange to me is that Makoto never looked into the rumor of the student with the criminal record just based on her own curiosity and sense of justice. If this individual was a criminal, then it would make more sense to me if she had sought him out. Sure there are a lot of reasons that you can explain why she didn't, but those just feel like excuses than valid reasons.
When she is introduced in the game, she is shown as being conflicted between doing as she is told to appease the adults around her and her own internal morality of right and wrong. She is continually challenged again and again to obey those that should be trusted positions of authority. Teachers, the Principal and her sister. I have to imagine that the first thing that begins to shake that trust is Kamoshida's confession. His confession lined up with the rumors surrounding the volleyball team, but no one had ever spoken out about.
In Bitter Fool, this is compounded more with her interactions with Tadashi. Someone who she believes has had good and honest conversations with her. When she hears directly from him that he was protecting a woman who was being assaulted herself and that the man had merely tripped and injured himself, she is appalled that this could be true and Tadashi having to pay for doing what is right. Makoto is still hesitant to fully believe him, so now she wants to hear the whole story, to see if he truly is being honest with her.
Makoto's own sense of justice is strained at this point. She has an ideal in her head but the more she has grown, the more disillusioned she has become with it. The appearance of Tadashi in her life, coupled by the Phantom Thieves existence is shaking up that view. That maybe her sense of justice has a place. Well this is me probably jumping ahead a bit. But something you can keep in mind when reading the interactions here.
Hope you enjoyed this months chapter. See you next month with Chapter 8.