A/N: We're almost at the end, just a few more chapters to go! Mutatsu was one of the more entertaining Social Links in my opinion. I'm glad he picked himself up in the end.

Tower - XVI

The arcana is the means by which all is revealed.

Humanity fears destruction, yet it is through ruin that the truth is revealed. All that is built crumbles in the end. Humanity's structures—their beliefs, achievements, and their bonds—are fragile façades destined to fall. Why resist the inevitable collapse when it is the prelude to transformation?

Makoto wasn't sure why he'd listened to Yuko's story about a monk visiting Club Escapade in Paulownia Mall. Ordinarily, he could care less. But, maybe it was just his insatiable curiosity that drove him to pursue his thoughts. Even now, after everything he'd lost, that trait had clung to him stubbornly, refusing to be extinguished by apathy. And so, he found himself slipping into the dimly lit lounge one night, nursing a glass of water as he eyed the bald man. The monk, Mutatsu, barely spared him a glance at first, grumbling under his breath about "kids these days" as he waved Makoto off like a fly. But Makoto kept coming back. For weeks, he sat there in silence, quietly persistent, until the monk finally relented. Their conversations began as passing remarks, then evolved into something heavier—grudging respect interspersed with jabs and sarcastic quips.

Mutatsu didn't know why this scrappy, quiet kid kept showing up, nor why he tolerated it. Maybe it was the way Makoto carried himself, like someone who had seen too much and felt too little. Or maybe it was the unsettling way he reminded Mutatsu of his own son—hardheaded and fiery, yet anchored by an unspoken sadness. Whatever the reason, Mutatsu found himself looking forward to the boy's visits, even if he'd never admit it out loud.

"Let's trade stories, kid," Mutatsu said with a sly grin, watching Makoto sip his water. "A guy like you? I bet you've got some girl troubles. I'll tell you about my wife if you spill about your harem."

Makoto raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think I have a harem? How do you even know that word?"

Mutatsu chuckled. "I've seen your type before. Quiet, brooding—you're catnip to girls. Bet you've got, what… five of 'em fighting over you?"

Makoto almost laughed but settled for a faint smirk. "You're way off."

"Heh, try me kid."

Shaking his head, Makoto reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, unlocking the screen to show a picture of him being hugged by Yuko at the summer track meet. "Just one girl. Her name's Yuko."

Mutatsu studied the picture for a moment before nodding approvingly. "Huh. I can tell by the smile. She's a good one. How long you two been an item?"

"Almost two months," he replied, not missing a beat.

The older man chuckled, leaning back against the worn leather of his booth. "And how many hearts did you break before picking her as your one and only?"

Makoto hesitated, his lips quirking up in a faint smile. He hadn't thought about it like that—he never saw himself as the type to break hearts. But, he had to admit, something must've been in the water because every girl at Gekkoukan left quite the impression.

Fuuka came to mind first. Her quiet presence had always made his heart skip—a subtle, fierce courage underneath her soft exterior that almost dared him to keep up. Her quiet, unassuming presence could fool anyone who didn't pay close attention. He was tough, but Fuuka was a badass in sheep's clothing.

Then there was Yukari. She was sharp, confident, and so effortlessly beautiful it was almost intimidating. The kind of girl who'd light up any room she walked into. Makoto figured she was so far out of his league, people would assume she was doing charity work if they were ever together. His charm, while smooth, paled in comparison to someone as charismatic as Yukari.

And then there was Mitsuru. The thought of her was enough to make him pause, his mind lingering on the memory of her genius intellect and commanding presence. She was a girl he'd never dreamt of approaching in a million years. Still, she had a way of making him want to be better, to match her impossible standards, even if he dared not admit it.

He must've been quiet too long because Mutatsu let out a knowing laugh. "See? You don't even have to say it. You've got it bad, kid. You're a magnet, and you don't even realize it."

Makoto shook his head, grinning despite himself.

"I know a few great girls," he said.

"I'm sure you do," Mutatsu took another puff of his cigar. "But go on. Why her? What made you pick this Yuko over the rest?"

He noticed Makoto's gaze softening. "It's… hard to explain," he began. "She's strong. Not just physically—though she's got that too—but in the way she carries herself. She's persistent. She's the manager of the track team at school, and one afternoon we got roped into coaching a group of fourth graders. They wanted to beat some sixth graders in a race."

Mutatsu raised a brow. "A couple of scrappy kids, huh?"

"Yeah." Makoto chuckled. "At first, I didn't think much of it. Just thought it'd be fun to help. But then I watched her with those kids. They'd get frustrated, and she'd be right there, pushing them. I helped motivate them, and she taught them to believe in themselves."

Mutatsu's eyebrows rose with interest. "So, the girl's got guts. You got an eye for quality, kid. A gutsy girl is the best one."

"Yeah," Makoto agreed, almost to himself.

Mutatsu let out a hearty laugh. "My wife is the same way. Mouth like a blade, sharp and quick. She never sugarcoated a damn thing, and I didn't care much for tact myself, so we got along fine. My son, though? He hated it. He thought I was too strict. But my wife? She got me—understood all my weaknesses, every last one," he sighed. "That's where I slipped up, though. Let her know too much. You gotta keep your girl guessing, kid. Let her learn all your tricks, and you'll never win."

Makoto chuckled, leaning forward on the small table. His mind wandered to all the times he'd caught Yuko off guard. If he were to write a book on her reactions, the highlight would be her blushes—the kind that spread so fast they could light her ears on fire. His ultimate goal? To fluster her so completely that she'd faint. It wasn't impossible, but her unshakable confidence only made the challenge more valuable.

"Yuko's sharp, but she's easy to fluster. Apparently, my words could 'make a goddess blush,'" he said with a sly grin.

Mutatsu scoffed, amused. "That well-spoken, huh?"

Makoto shrugged. "I'm a smooth talker."

The monk chuckled again. "I'll give you that. You've got a knack for catching people off guard—even an old geezer like me."

"Never let the opponent know your next move, right?"

"Smartass," Mutatsu said, shaking his head. "No wonder half the girls at your school are probably lined up waiting for you."

Makoto laughed, playing along. "I'm just a nice guy, not a playboy."

The older man puffed on his cigar, his grin fading as he regarded the boy. "Listen, kid, I know you've got a good heart," he said, his tone serious now. "But don't ask me how I know—you're involved in something, aren't you? Something big. Something dangerous."

Makoto's smile faltered slightly, but he didn't respond immediately. That pause was all Mutatsu needed.

"I'm not a monk for show. You have an aura about you I don't sense from anyone else. You're not one to lie, either, so don't bother. Am I right?"

Now Makoto was sure something was in the water because people were becoming more perceptive of him.

He smiled again. "You wouldn't believe me."

"Heh, try me, kid."

Glancing around, Makoto noted the empty floor. It was just him and Mutatsu now, the low hum of the lounge music the only other sound. He lowered his gaze. "Let's just say… the Arcana is guiding me."

The monk processed his words. Of course, he was greatly aware of the Arcana and Man's journey.

"Is that right? Hm, you must be the Fool then."

Makoto laughed alongside him. "How does everyone know that?"

"What else would you be?" he took another puff of his cigar. "If I had to guess, based on my experience, I represent the Tower."

"Good guess. My girlfriend is Strength, and a Fool like me fell for her hard."

Mutatsu raised an eyebrow, a small smile forming as he took another drag from his cigar. "A Fool and Strength, huh? Sounds like you've got yourself one hell of a match. A strong woman to keep you on your toes and knock you down a peg if you get too big for your britches."

Makoto chuckled. "Pretty much. She keeps me grounded. Can't get away with any nonsense around her, but she laughs a lot when I crack jokes."

Mutatsu shook his head, amused. "That's good, kid. You need someone who can stand up to you—and someone you can stand behind when things get rough."

Makoto's smile softened. "Yeah… Yuko's got this fire in her that just makes me feel like anything's possible. Like no matter what I have to face, I've got someone in my corner."

The monk watched him with a glimmer of something almost paternal in his eyes. "Keep that, kid. People like that… they don't come around often." He paused, then smirked, flicking his cigar ash. "But don't think that just 'cause I get it, I'm getting all soft on you."

Makoto laughed, leaning back. "Wouldn't expect anything less."

Mutatsu chuckled, shaking his head. "You're alright, kid. Maybe a fool, but an alright one. Now get your ass out of here and go home. Make sure your girlfriend knows you love her."

The boy got up to leave. "Yeah, yeah. Guess I'll see you around, old man."

As the boy descended the stairs, Mutatsu leaned back in his chair, staring at the empty glass in front of him. A strange sense of peace washed over him, mingled with a twinge of nostalgia.

"Strength, huh?" he muttered, snuffing out his cigar. "Yeah… that sounds about right."

Next time, the Star Arcana.