A/N: After comparing the original to Reload, I'm surprised they didn't stick with Kendo as the main club considering Makoto mainly uses a sword in Reload. He's not exactly trained, and Kendo would've been a perfect way for him to get better, but I digress.

Empress - III

Number III of the Arcana is the Empress—a powerful symbol of fertility, femininity, and an abundant force of nature. She embodies nurture, encouraging one to care deeply for themselves and others. Her presence is a reminder of the strength found in compassion and the beauty of creation.

But, when reversed, the Empress offers a warning. Her nurturing energy can twist into neglect or over-dependence, where an overbearing nature stifles self-reliance, leaving others vulnerable to stagnation rather than empowerment.

Enter Mitsuru Kirijo, the poised and brilliant Student Council President of Gekkoukan High, and the formidable captain of S.E.E.S. With her striking crimson hair and piercing red eyes, Mitsuru's elegance and intellect captivated everyone around her. Her presence commanded admiration and respect, a living embodiment of the Empress herself— nurturing yet disciplined, compassionate yet strategic.

As a member of the Student Council, she strove to ensure her fellow students excelled academically. One of her duties involved evaluating clubs to make sure everything was running smoothly. A few quick pop ins and she was done, but during her patrols, she often found herself lingering around one club more than others. The Kendo club. It was one of the school's most famous groups, but Mitsuru's curiosity lingered towards the captain of the club.

Inside, the room echoed with the sharp cries of practice. The members of the club moved in unison, their bodies flowing through each kata with precision.

"Hah!"

"Yah!"

Mitsuru watched closely, her discerning eyes catching even the smallest mistakes. As a lady trained in the art of fencing, precision was everything to her—perfection in form meant strength in defense, and any flaw could be disastrous.

"Looking great, everyone! Keep it up! We're almost done!" The Captain's voice carried through the room, calm yet authoritative. He moved through the students like a seasoned leader, making minor adjustments to their stances with his wooden weapon, often surprising them with a sudden, light strike to test their reflexes. To Mitsuru, these attacks were slow—predictable even.

'Easily avoidable.' She mused. 'But a good test of reflexes.'

Mitsuru stood by the door. Her gaze drifted to the Captain himself—a third-year like her, with short chestnut hair and sharp brown eyes. There was something quietly intense about him, a focus that separated him from the rest.

In short, she was curious about Kai Sasaki. She had a good eye for potential. Her frequent visits allowed her to assess him better, but so far, her research has reached an impasse.

'Our team has plenty of manpower, but additional help could go a long way.'

She continued to observe until the training came to an end. As the club members noticed the presence of the Student Council President, whispers spread like a gentle breeze across the room.

"The Prez is here again."

"She's been coming here often. Think something's up?"

"Maybe she's here for the Captain."

"Ooh, what if there's something going on between them?"

Kai approached the crimson-haired maiden, ignoring the low murmurs of his club members.

"Thanks for watching," he greeted her with a curious tilt of his head. "What can I do for you?"

Mitsuru returned his gaze with a polite smile. "I apologize for my frequent visits. I just like to observe. At first, I was worried my presence might distract everyone, but they have a high level of concentration."

Kai's gaze shifted to his club members, and his expression softened with pride. "They've really come into their own. I try to make practice enjoyable, but safety is always my top priority. Some are more enthusiastic than others though."

Mitsuru's thoughts returned to her team. They were an outstanding group, but she felt some areas needed refining.

"It's not easy to maintain such balance—strength and control, while ensuring the safety of those you train." She paused, letting her words sink in. "You handle it well. Have you ever considered applying those skills outside the clubhouse?"

Kai raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I can't say I have. Why do you ask?"

Mitsuru's smile grew ever so slightly. "Will you humor a small request?"

Kai blinked, ultimately confused but saw no reason to refuse. "Sure, what's up?"

"Would you be interested in having a match with me? I'm curious to see how you fair against a stronger foe," she requested. Mitsuru knew she could easily ask Makoto or Junpei for a quick spar, but the finesse her fellow third year displayed was more enticing.

The room fell silent. Members of the club froze, their eyes darting between their captain and the genius Student Council President. More whispers spread across the room.

"A stronger foe? Does the President use a sword?"

"Did she really challenge the captain?"

"No way, this is going to be awesome."

Kai contemplated the request. He couldn't tell if this was a test or something more.

"Is that why you've been overseeing our practice?"

"Something like that. Call it simple curiosity. It's always your pupils that are practicing. I wonder how your skills fair in comparison."

Kai didn't believe everything said. There was a glint in Mitsuru's eyes that put him on guard. Regardless, he made his decision.

"Very well," he said, his lips curling into a slight smirk. "How about Monday after school?"

She accepted. "Tres bein. But fair warning, I'm well-versed in swordplay."

Kai chuckled. "Is that right? I look forward to seeing what you're made of then."

Mitsuru turned with a graceful air as she exited the room, leaving Kai standing there, the weight of her challenge lingering in the air.

As soon as she was out of sight, Kai's team swarmed him.

"Yo, Cap'n, what was that about?"

"Is there something between you and the president?"

"Are you really going to cross blades with her?"

"Way to go, Cap'n!"

Kai sighed, running a hand through his hair as the Kendo Club buzzed around him like a swarm of nosy bees. He had expected questions, but not this level of teasing energy. His teammates didn't miss a beat, each jab landing squarely on his already flustered nerves.

"It's not like that, guys."

"C'mon, Cap'n, you can't tell us you're not even a little excited," one of them said, nudging him playfully.

"Yeah, you've been sneaking glances at her for weeks! And now she wants a piece of you? Sounds like destiny to me," another added with a dramatic flourish.

Kai groaned, his face heating up. "Cut it out, will you? She's just here on Student Council business. That's all."

"Oh, sure," one of them teased. "Just 'business.' Because challenging the captain to a duel is totally standard Council procedure."

"Definitely protocol," someone chimed in, their voice dripping with mock seriousness.

Kai pinched the bridge of his nose, fighting the urge to retaliate with his own wooden sword. "For the record, she's intrigued by the club's performance. That's it. And yes, I'll spar with her on Monday, but don't blow this out of proportion."

The team exchanged knowing looks, their grins widening.

"Blow it out of proportion? Us?" said one with mock innocence.

"Never," another added, failing to stifle a snicker.

Kai shot them a warning look, though it lacked the heat necessary to dissuade them. "And for the love of all that's holy, don't let word get out. The last thing we need is an audience."

"Too late for that," someone muttered under their breath, eliciting more chuckles.

Kai exhaled sharply, resigned to his fate. "Alright, practice is over. Go home, rest up, and maybe spend less time meddling in my personal life."

As the club members began gathering their things, they continued to whisper and laugh, clearly enjoying their captain's rare moment of flustered vulnerability.

Xxx Arcana Burst xxX

Later that evening, at Iwatodai dorm, Mitsuru gathered the team to share her idea. This was merely a test to see if Kai Sasaki had the potential. Makoto and Fuuka would play a vital role in assessing the unseen. Their heightened senses would help confirm whether Kai possessed the latent ability to summon a Persona. For now, it was all theory.

"It never hurts to have more assistance, but I want to be absolutely sure."

Akihiko was all for it, voicing his approval. "I've heard about Sasaki's skills. I'm excited to see him fight."

Junpei grinned, leaning back in his chair. "If Mitsuru-senpai is scouting, he must have the stuff. Not that I'm complaining if we get another badass fighter on the team."

Ken, on the other hand, remained skeptical, his brow furrowing slightly. The idea of bringing in another older figure unsettled him. He had grown accustomed to the dynamics of the current team and wasn't eager to introduce someone new, especially if they were a potential outsider.

"Can we trust him?" he asked, trying to keep his voice neutral. "I mean… If he's that good, wouldn't he have been on our radar already? It feels sudden."

"You're not wrong, Amada-san," Mitsuru replied. "We have been in a good spot without needing extra muscle, but I have a good feeling about him. And, if it turns out he doesn't possess the potential, it'll just be a friendly spar, nothing more."

Ken remained unsure, but he trusted Mitsuru's judgment. She wasn't one to make rash decisions. "Good luck, I suppose then," he muttered, not fully convinced but willing to give her plan a chance.

Makoto, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, decided to chime in. "When I was checking out the clubs, I did catch a glimpse of his swordsmanship. It wasn't much to spectate—the club was full, and I couldn't stay long. The track team talks about him sometimes."

"Pfft, I've heard about him too," Yukari interjected with a shrug. "But mostly from the girls in the archery club. I think they're more interested in his looks than his skills."

Junpei laughed, leaning back in his chair. "Now I'm really looking forward to this. I mean, if he's that great, he might make me look bad."

"You don't need his help for that," Yukari quipped, earning a round of chuckles.

"It's settled then," Mitsuru stood up. "Don't forget, the duel is Monday after school."

"I'll record it for you, Ken," Junpei offered. "We might be able to learn from him."

Mitsuru proceeded upstairs, happy with the way things were turning out. However, she wondered if she was too forward in her request.

'I know I sprung it on him, but should I have waited? It's not a big deal, but I can't help but wonder. He could be entirely normal. I won't know until I find out.'

Xxx Arcana Burst xxX

Monday evening arrived in a whirlwind, and the kendo dojo hummed with an air of excitement. Word of the match had spread despite the captain's explicit orders to keep it private. The room buzzed with low murmurs and an undeniable energy as club members and curious onlookers—including most of SEES—settled in to witness the duel.

Kai Sasaki, standing at the center of the room, exhaled deeply, gripping his wooden blade tightly. He tried to shut out the growing crowd, but his irritation was palpable.

"I said to keep this private," he muttered, his eyes still closed as he prepared mentally.

"Sorry, Captain," one of the kendo members confessed sheepishly. "I got carried away... but, uh, it's Mitsuru-senpai, y'know?"

Kai glared briefly. "You're getting extra drills. Count on it."

Before he could say more, Akihiko approached with a relaxed stride, a grin on his face. "Long time, Sasaki. You holding up?"

Kai opened one eye, his lips twitching into a smirk. "This is definitely not how I imagined my evening going. What about you? Still breaking jaws with that left hook?"

Akihiko laughed. "It's stronger than ever. We should spar sometime—gloves only."

Kai chuckled, shaking his head. "Sure, but I'm bringing a sword."

"A sword in a boxing ring?" Akihiko raised an amused eyebrow.

"You're not breaking my jaw without a fight. Hospital food isn't worth it."

"But there are no weapons in boxing," Akihiko retorted with a grin

"Professional boxing, yes."

Their exchange was cut short as Mitsuru entered, her commanding presence silencing the room. Her crimson hair was neatly styled to avoid blocking her vision, and her practice rapier gleamed at her side. Kai opened his eyes, his body instinctively straightening as their gazes locked.

"So this is really happening," he said, the weight of the moment settling in.

Mitsuru offered a poised smile. "I apologize for my sudden request. You have my gratitude."

From the sidelines, Junpei adjusted the camera he'd sneakily brought, grinning ear to ear. "Show us what you're made of, Sasaki-senpai!"

Kai glared at Junpei. "Who said you could record this?"

Yukari interjected. "Come on, Sasaki-senpai. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Plus, Junpei could use some pointers—he's all talk and no technique."

"Hey!" Junpei protested. "I'm a boss!"

Fuuka clasped her hands nervously. "I-I hope you don't mind us watching, Sasaki-senpai. We're all really excited to see this."

Kai sighed, resigned to the audience. "Don't expect anything crazy."

"Of course!" Aigis said, her calm voice cutting through the noise. "This will be a fascinating display of skill. I will root for you both."

Akihiko clapped Kai on the shoulder. "Good luck," he joined his friends on the sidelines.

Mitsuru tilted her head slightly, her crimson eyes gleaming with determination. "Shall we begin, Sasaki-san?"

Kai stepped forward, gripping his wooden sword firmly. He nodded once, his expression focused. "Let's dance."

Mitsuru's rapier gleamed in the light, her free arm poised beneath her chest, an unspoken testament to her refined upbringing.

Kai assumed a traditional kendo stance, grounding himself. The noise faded in his ears as he locked onto Mitsuru, studying her posture and subtle movements.

Within Mitsuru's mind, the voice of her Persona, Artemisia, resonated. "He moves like a predator, cautious yet confident. Do not underestimate him."

'Of course,' Mitsuru replied inwardly, her focus sharpening.

Kai called out to one of the members. "Tachibana-san, you've got the signal."

A second year took their position. "Both sides ready?"

"Ready!" Mitsuru and Kai declared in unison, their voices sharp and confident.

"And… Begin!" the call came, and in an instant, the air was charged with electric anticipation.

Mitsuru wasted no time, charging forward, and stabbing at her adversary with her rapier. The air hissed as the tip streaked toward Kai, a strike aimed to test his mettle.

Kai reacted quickly, parrying the strike with a clean, swift movement of his wooden sword. The sharp clash of weapons echoed through the clubroom, and in that brief exchange, Kai realized: Mitsuru was no ordinary opponent.

Mitsuru's movements were fast and elegant. Kai was no slouch either, shifting his stance and launching a counterattack. Their blades met again with a resounding clack, but Mitsuru noticed a problem.

S.E.E.S. noticed a problem.

"You're holding back, Kai," Mitsuru said with a playful edge. Was she teasing him? "Don't pull your strikes. I want to accurately assess your performance."

Kai paused, stepping back to create space between them. He exhaled slowly. "I see now," he admitted. "I understand, Kirijo-san. It seems the basics are beyond us."

He rolled his shoulders and shifted his weight, bouncing lightly on the soles of his feet. Closing his eyes for a moment, Kai steadied his breathing. When he opened them, his entire demeanor had changed. No more testing the waters—this time, he was ready to fully engage.

He addressed his team. "Pay close attention, everyone. I have one piece of advice: don't blink."

In the second exchange, Kai was the aggressor, his body a blur of motion as he dashed forward with blinding speed, closing the gap instantly.

Mitsuru's eyes widened, her sharp instincts barely catching the movement. "That's fast!" Her mind raced to keep up as she twisted her body, narrowly evading his strike. The whoosh of air brushing past her cheek was sharp and deliberate, sending an involuntary thrill up her spine.

Kai's stance barely wavered, his wooden sword steady as he stepped back to reset. "If this had been a real sword," he remarked coolly, his voice carrying the weight of his precision, "you would've lost your head."

The intensity of his gaze was elevated to another level. "Is this the battle you wished for?" he added.

Mitsuru's grip tightened around her rapier. "It's precisely what I wanted."

From there, the second leg of the match turned into a battle of precision and speed. Mitsuru's rapier moved like a serpent, striking with rapid, precise thrusts, each one aimed to exploit a weakness. But Kai's wooden sword countered with an almost supernatural fluidity, besting her in terms of strength. Both were equal in precision, but the tides could change at any moment.

Through her ongoing assessment, Mitsuru concluded that while Kai didn't hit as hard as, say, Akihiko, his speed and adaptability rivaled anything she had encountered. Koromaru was the fastest member of S.E.E.S., and even then, Kai might be equal with him in speed.

Collectively, the audience forgot how to breathe. The slightest sound might disturb the unfolding spectacle. Mitsuru and Kai moved in a seamless dance, every strike a calculated attempt to best the other. Mitsuru pressed her advantage, her rapier darting forward in a series of rapid thrusts, each one a blur of gleaming steel aimed directly at Kai. Yet the swordsman met her head-on, his wooden sword moving with deceptive fluidity, weaving through the air as if it had a mind of its own.

Their footwork was immaculate, their balance unshakable as they kept every movement controlled.

From the sidelines, the kendo team watched in stunned silence. To them, Kai was always the dependable captain who demanded their hardest—but this was something else entirely. His speed, control, and focus were levels beyond what they had ever seen.

"He's insane," one whispered, awestruck.

"He's never fought like this during practice!"

Meanwhile, S.E.E.S. exchanged impressed glances.

"Wow," Fuuka murmured, clutching her hands together. "He's… amazing."

"Dude's like a ghost with that sword," Junpei muttered, barely able to keep the camera steady.

Akihiko grinned with excitement. "This is exactly what I was hoping for."

The duel was a test of wills, a clash so intense that it held everyone on the edge of their seats. No one dared to look away, afraid that the slightest blink might cause them to miss the decisive moment. And yet, in the depths of their exchange, Mitsuru felt a spark of sorts. This wasn't just a match. It was a meeting of kindred spirits, blades clashing in a conversation only they could understand.

Makoto and Junpei often relied on raw instinct and bursts of natural talent. They were good, no question about it, but to Mitsuru, their skills lacked the refinement she admired. They fought with heart, but heart alone didn't win battles—it didn't make warriors.

Mitsuru had spent years mastering the art of fencing. Her technique wasn't hidden talent; it was discipline, the product of relentless training and a pursuit of perfection. She recognized the same dedication in Kai. His movements were sharp and deliberate, his stance unshakable. He fought not with instinct, but with mastery.

'He's good,' she thought, her admiration growing with each exchange. 'No—he's exceptional. Why am I just now finding out?'

At last, the two combatants separated, creating a momentary lull in the frenzied exchange, allowing the intense pressure to ease, if only for a moment. Both took a brief respite to recalibrate, their breaths steadying as they maintained their vigilant stances.

Kai broke the silence first, his smirk returning. "You weren't kidding when you said you were well-versed. You're amazing, Kirijo-san."

Mitsuru allowed herself a small chuckle, lowering her weapon. "And you, Sasaki-san, are every bit as formidable as I hoped. It's no wonder you're the captain. I would like to finish this match if it's all the same to you. There's no sense in stopping now, is there?"

She assessed him quietly, her mind racing behind her composed exterior. 'He's as strong as a gatekeeper Shadow,' she mused, her thoughts drifting into uncharted territory. 'He must possess the potential. Do they sense it?'

"Exquisite!" Artemisia's voice echoed in Mitsuru's mind, a burst of approval that matched the exhilaration coursing through her veins. "Such purity of purpose—he is a flame against the darkness."

For a moment, Mitsuru considered the possibilities. Kai's relentless drive was undeniable. His movements carried the weight of experience and dedication, and his eyes spoke of a fierce determination that mirrored her own. Mitsuru had faced countless Shadows, entities of immense strength and supernatural menace, yet here was a human—one with, seemingly, no Persona, no arcane abilities—matching her, strike for strike, purely on the strength of his hard work. It was a testament to what one could achieve through sheer will and training—a reminder that even without the extraordinary, some could still shine brightly in the world of the mundane.

It was a reminder of the boundless potential of human tenacity.

"A will to be the best version of one's self," Artemisia observed, her voice filled with a rare warmth. "He has the heart of a warrior. No… perhaps the soul of one."

Mitsuru wholeheartedly agreed. This is what she expected. Those moments of observation weren't for naught after all. Regardless of how the match ended, she was satisfied.

On the sidelines, the audience was coming down from the intensity.

"Dude," Junpei breathed, eyes wide as he watched the duel unfold. "Are you freaking kidding me right now?"

Akihiko put a hand on his chest. He wasn't the one fighting, but his heart was pounding like he was a part of the action. If he was the one fighting Kai, how would things go?

"Well, he's their ace for a reason," he chuckled. "But who knew he was on this level? Had I known he exceeded expectations, I would've recruited him long ago."

"Amazing," Fuuka whispered, her voice barely audible. "I can hardly keep up with their movements."

"You and me both," Yukari let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.

Aigis, ever observant, turned to the group with a calm yet unsettling remark. "It's a good thing they aren't using real weapons like Sasaki-senpai stated. Mitsuru-senpai would have been dead several times over if that was true."

The group stared at Aigis in shock and disbelief, the gravity of her statement sinking in like a cold stone.

"What? No way," Junpei muttered, trying to shake off the chilling thought.

Aigis continued. "He said so himself. Their second exchange took her by surprise, and she barely had time to evade. If it had been a real blade, she would not be standing with us now. Her reaction time was sufficient to avoid injury in this scenario, but against a lethal weapon, the outcome would have been fatal."

The stark reality of Aigis's words hung heavily in the air.

"Is it safe to categorize Sasaki-senpai as 'dangerous?'"

Akihiko was more than convinced, but the final answer rested on the leader and navigator's hypothesis. "How about it, Yuki? Yamagishi? Think he got it?"

Makoto remained silent, face wracked with deep contemplation. "I don't sense anything. Although, safe to say he can hold his own extremely well."

"I'm not sensing a Persona either," Fuuka said. "He has a powerful aura though."

Back in the match, Mitsuru steadied herself, placing her hand over the tip of her practice rapier and positioning her charging foot forward. Her eyes narrowed, and a determined resolve set her expression—she was ready to end this with a decisive blow.

Artemisia's voice resonated in her mind, filled with caution but also a hint of admiration. "That's a risky maneuver, Madam. I hope Lady Luck favors you today."

Mitsuru's lips twitched into a faint smirk. 'Luck has nothing to do with it,' she thought, her focus unyielding.

Oppositely, Kai took a deep breath, his gaze locked onto Mitsuru's flawless stance. He could feel the intensity radiating off her. He knew she was planning something bold, and the anticipation thrummed through him like a taut string ready to snap. He sharpened his stance in response; he would meet her with equal force.

The audience, once buzzing with murmurs and whispers, fell into a heavy silence. Mitsuru and Kai no longer appeared as mere combatants—they were elevated to something more, like gods locked in a celestial duel, each movement echoing with the power and beings far beyond the mortal realm.

Time seemed to stretch and bend as they stared each other down, both waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Mitsuru could feel the rhythmic beat of her heart, each pulse a countdown to the inevitable clash.

Then, like a bolt of lightning, the redhead moved. She lunged forward, her rapier piercing through the air with a speed and precision that bordered on supernatural. Kai responded instantly, his blade intercepting with a force that sent a sharp crack reverberating through the clubroom. The sound was like a thunderclap, a signal that the final clash had begun.

The resounding impact echoed through the hall. The referee, unable to keep their footing, fell behind, barely able to process the rapid exchange. They felt out of breath, dazed, confused, and exhausted. Remembering their job, they quickly got back into position and made the call, raising their hand high to signal the end of the match.

"By a hair, the winner is Mitsuru Kirijo!" they declared.

Astonishingly, Mitsuru came out the victor. Her rapier found its mark, the point pressing into Kai's chest. Meanwhile, the kendo captain's wooden blade hovered precariously close to Mitsuru's neck. It was an exceptionally close call, but the Empress had managed to land her strike just a fraction sooner, clenching her victory by the thinnest of margins.

Kai looked thoughtful. He saw something in the Student Council President's beautiful eyes, but he could not accurately describe it. Then, his expression softened into a respectful smile. "Well fought," he said, stepping back and lowering his sword.

Mitsuru, catching her breath, nodded in acknowledgment, though her disbelief lingered. "Believe me, it could've gone either way."

The two shook hands.

'Luck did have something to do with it.'

"Told you, but sometimes, one must take risks to seize victory. I hope you learned something from this bout, Madam." Artemisia lightly chastised.

"Thank you for the fun match. I learned a lot about you, Sasaki-san. I hope we can do this again sometime."

"Good response, Madam. Let him know you're willing to engage in another intimate session next time."

Mitsuru held her composure, fighting the redness that wanted to cover her face.

'Stop listening to Takeba's gossip!'

Kai, grinning from ear to ear, had no idea of the internal banter taking place. "I'd be more than happy to spar again. Maybe things will be different next time."

"We'll see about that," Mitsuru responded smoothly. "However, I'm sure Akihiko won't stop pestering you after witnessing our match."

A statement that made the kendo Captain groan. "Trust me, I already know, and I told him my terms. I'm not stepping into the ring unless I can use my sword."

"You'll warm up to the idea," Akihiko stated. "At least participate in my training regimen. You can handle that."

"Ehh, I'll think about it. Don't get your hopes up."

The Kendo team ran towards their captain, overwhelming him with praise.

"That was intense, Cap'n!"

"How'd you fight like that?"

"I'm so happy I get to say I trained under you!"

Kai waved them off, though a faint blush betrayed his embarrassment. "All right, all right, calm down. I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve. I just don't teach you guys because you don't really need them, and don't think you're all off the hook. You'll still get extra drills tomorrow for this, you know."

The team's groans mingled with their excitement, undeterred by the promise of more training.

As the energy in the room surged, Mitsuru observed quietly, her mind a mix of satisfaction and curiosity. 'That was the most fun I've ever had.' She glanced toward the rest of S.E.E.S., noting the approving looks exchanged between them.

Her gaze returned to Kai, who was doing his best to manage the chaos around him. Though she didn't admit it aloud, she was already looking forward to their next encounter.

Next time, the Emperor Arcana