Persona 5 Royal: tmdrago Special Edition
By Tayla Drago
Episode #20 - Sojiro Sakura
The next thing to do after getting a clue from some book called The Blood of Oath 'to look into later on', Keiko with Morgana had to go back to Shujin to help Ryuji's training to do track again to meet with him outside to do it more for himself to be doing all of this; for it to be Suguru's fault that go them off the team, on her way outside of school at the special spot, she almost bumps in to the Study Body President of the entire Shujin Academy high school to help her get her papers to leave next. For she was a third year student to do so well in all of her classes.
Keiko: Crap! Sorry about that! Are you okay? Let me help you.
Gathering all of the papers for this girl to walk off afterwards to do a lot of after school meetings and other paperwork to fill out.
?: It's no trouble, I'm glad none of us are hurt. Excuse me.
She was a bit down in the dumps and quiet, huh? But she is smart 'more on her later'. Keiko needed to go change to meet up with Ryuji next.
Keiko: Okay, take care. (She looks a bit sad...) Oh, right! Ryuji's waiting for me! (I got to tell him I already have a boyfriend. He'll know, just push back if I have to. He'll get it and Ann will have him all to herself real soon.)
Morgana: Make sure Ryuji doesn't try anything perverted to you again, Madame Keiko. Anyways, I'll be walking around until you're done.
Keiko: You got it, Morgana.
It was time for another practice run for Ryuji to keep on doing 'with Keiko helping him out to get better at it'.
Ryuji: (Damn...Keiko looks hotter every day.) Hey, Keiko-! Whoa!
Tripping to fall down on the ground hard, to try acting cool to not feel the pain.
Keiko: Ah, hi Ryuji. I can tell you were waiting for me too and wanted to do some more running, right?
Ryuji: Ah, hey Keiko! Hi...! I didn't see you.
Keiko: I think you did end up falling down. I hope you're not hurt.
Ryuji: Oh, yeah! I'm fine. Anyways, when you're ready, just go change into your gym clothes.
Keiko: Alright, I'll meet you outside. Just please don't sneak into the girls' locker room to watch me get undressed.
Ryuji: Hey! Who said I wasn't?! Oh, right... (Just play it cool, Ryuji. You can win Keiko over in any way my style.)
For her to be smiling as Keiko could tell that she can deal with Ryuji to not be a bad person but a true friend, still can be a bit of a pervert sometimes.
Keiko: (He can be a really sweet person to know that I'll help him out sometimes. Silly and caring to hide his tough side.)
With Keiko getting dressed up into her gym clothes to go meet up with Ryuji to do some running track together, he started with some warm up so far to be fine, a bit tired but he'll live. For them to get even better at running for Keiko to be fine and Ryuji was slowly getting there on his end.
Ryuji: Ugh, dammit! I wanna move better, but I just can't...I was trainin' for nationals back in the day… but now I totally suck balls.
All was good, until a group of teenage boys he knew came walking up to him during training. It was a bit of trouble for Keiko to come across on her way outside to see and hear this.
?: What the hell do you think you're doing?
The former members of the track team that Ryuji have shown themselves to say something not friendly to their former captain, and Keiko had to jump in to do something about stopping them from fighting each other and fast.
Ryuji: Nanaoka...Takeishi...
Nanaoka: ...Running, huh? I saw you from the window.
Things were about to turn sour on poor Ryuji.
Takeishi: What, you gonna try to come crawling back to the track team?
Ryuji: Huh? H-Hell no...
Nanaoka: Sure. Hmmm...Speaking of which, this was your secret training spot, wasn't it? Well, it's our spot now. You know, us. The former track team.
Takeishi: We don't even have a locker room anymore; thanks to someone we know.
Ryuji: ...
Ouch, now that had to hurt Ryuji to hear these boys say those mean things to him and thinking he failed them all. Soon Keiko steps in for Ryuji to stop his former teammate from starting something by picking on the weak on a false thing he was trying to do for all of them.
Keiko: Stop! Stop it! Leave Ryuji alone! Let's not fight!
Just in time they could tell that someone like Keiko was hanging out with someone like Ryuji to look like a trouble maker. Ryuji was touched when someone like her was standing up for someone like him.
Ryuji: (Keiko...Damn, you're so amazin'...) We ain't fightin', Keiko, it's fine.
Keiko: No, it's not! You can let others treat you this way. What you did from Kamoshida's abusing the others like you, Ann, me the most, Shiho, Yuuki, and everyone else was wrong. You were only trying to defend yourself against someone who should've said something sooner. And you boys are only ganging up on Ryuji to be just as worse compared to Kamoshida himself! I'm glad to be his friend and for him to get back on the track team his way, not yours. Also...Making fun of me about my troublesome past on one mistake I made is one thing, but to make fun of Ryuji is unforgivable.
Strong words for someone like Keiko to stand up for her first friend.
Nanaoka: We're not fighting, girl, like Ryuji said. Yeah, this isn't anything like a fight. Not even close. Hold on, aren't you that transfer student? You're really gonna hang around with this loser? Then you really must be a dumb whore.
The other members of the team with his name being unknown says something too.
Track Student: Girl, you better watch out. He'll hit you the second he gets pissed off. I heard his dad was the same way. Like father, like son, right? Now that's some scary shit. I bet you're a troublemaker who wants lots of attention for a slut.
Now that other male student has done it to make Ryuji mad and stands up for Keiko again. In love or not, they were still good friends. He fights back to keep Keiko close to him.
Ryuji: Shut it...! That don't got anything to do with this...And she's not a whore! She's a damn hottie with a good heart to reject me a lot, but I'll always love her! And I'm damn happy even more to call Keiko my friend the most to always be there for her.
Keiko was touched as well from his words, to like being his friend to not be held in a romantic type of thing.
Keiko: Thank you, Ryuji... (But he shouldn't be holding me this way...) Ah, Ryuji, could you...?
Ryuji: Sorry!
He gently lets go of Keiko for almost doing something without thinking by accident.
Keiko: Anyways, thanks for standing up for me. That should be enough not to get into violence to get kicked out for real this time. Please?
Ryuji: Oh, yeah! ...You're right. OK, I won't fight them. You hear that? Nothin' you guys say will make me stop doin' this. I will keep on runnin' again in this trainin' spot of mine. You want in, fine. But say anythin' shitty at Keiko, then you can get the hell out. Now look, about back then...
Like they'll listen to reason from Ryuji to still not forgive him one bit. Really...?
Nanaoka: ….Save it! I don't need to hear your excuses. Everyone was going through the same bullshit with Kamoshida. The beatings, the impossible exercises…but we put up with all of it for the track team, but no. You had to go and fuck all of that up! Man, I was stupid forever thinking you were my teammate...
Ryuji stood there to make it true but he knows to be there for their support to live with it, and Keiko keeps the boys away from her friend.
Keiko: Still, you told him and it's done. Right? You can't change what happened in the past, just move on now. Have a better future. Because if you three don't, how will you do something better with Kamoshida's out of your businesses? It's good. So go do whatever you boys want.
Ryuji: She's right. Thanks for tellin' me everythin' in the face.
Looks like they were fine because the boys told them how they felt to leave afterwards.
Track Student: That's it?
Takeishi: We're going to live with this?
Seems like it...
Nanaoka: No, it's fine. We said what we wanted to say...Keep your training spot, Ryuji...That's all we wanted to say to you like this chick said. We're outta here. Come on.
Once they left, Keiko and Ryuji had to hold up a little bit from the track running to see how they both were after a bad talk that just went down.
Keiko: (Most boys will never learn.) Are you okay, Ryuji?
Ryuji: What's done is done. I stood up, you and I and they understood to let it all out. All of it, but I almost took my anger out on them if you haven't showed up for me, Keiko...I nearly smacked him when he was talkin' about my dad...I haven't changed at all…But y'know…you actually helped me calm down a little. I'm glad you were here with me. Thanks, babe!
All in the days work for Morgana to watch the whole thing on the other side.
Keiko: It was nothing really...What are friends for? I couldn't let them harass you like it was nothing to them. I think their anger could be like Kamoshida was, only he took it on others very badly. Or rather take in words than physical abuse.
Ryuji: Ha! Really? Good point...
Keiko: I'm glad I came in to help you. And look, I already have a boyfriend...Well, we're dating right now, but I'll always be a friend to you, Ryuji.
With the high fiving, Ryuji smiled and then gave Keiko a little kiss on the cheek to say his thanks. To also have another Arcana and Confidant up t level 3 now on Ryuji to still help him out through this entire mess.
Keiko: Ryuji...!
Ryuji: Hey, if you're happy with this guy which I hope to see soon by the way...Then I'm happy for you. Just remember this, Keiko, I'll never stop lovin' you. And a friend to still love you no matter what, I can live with it.
Keiko: But you're not giving up. You're something else, funny but a very good person.
Ryuji: And don't you forget it. What I did there was a friendly kiss, because I – Ryuji Sakamoto's not givin' up on you, baby!
A good friendship to have, Keiko will make sure Ryuji stands his ground to stop him if he tries again. And for the three guys to be fighting at each other now for them to stay out of it. As they did to then take a breather, to then hear a few guys fighting to be close by.
Familiar Voice: Hey, Nakaoka! Why didn't you kick his ass?!
Nakaoka: What?
Takeishi: The hell's your problem?!
Oh brother, here we go again...
Keiko: (Some boys will always be boys.) Ryuji, let's do a quick one before we stop to get cleaned up and go home.
Ryuji: You got it. Let's try to make it quick before the school closes, race ya!
And for that of the two training a little for today and showering to go on home afterwards...From Keiko and Akechi to be hanging out more to be going out on a date and to be in love for the first time for her...but Ryuji loves her a lot more than friends, to have Keiko in a very confusing part of thinking from other boys to fall for this girl a lot for Morgana to see how hard Keiko was going through right now, you know? Ah, teenage love.
Morgana: Look, Madame Keiko. You want some advice on how a gentleman feels for a girl he loves like you, ask the headmaster himself of LeBlanc to get a good tip about it. See what the chief needs to say about this matter.
Ask Sojiro about Keiko's first feelings about love and other guys liking her a lot?
Keiko: Ask Mr. Sakura?!
Morgana: It wouldn't hurt to try. That's all I can tell you on what you should try to do.
Getting near the door of the cafe, Keiko answers her cell phone for Ryuji to call her up.
[Ryuji: Yo, it's me, Keiko. You good to talk? I wanted to thank you again for today. I really owe you one, babe. I get pissed off so damn easily. I really gotta work on that.]
[Keiko: Well, I can't exactly blame you at all.]
[Ryuji: Nah, this one's definitely my bad. Besides, I can't cause a scene. Don't wanna get pulled into even more hard shit.]
[Keiko: If you say so, Ryuji. But I'll be there for you if you need anything.]
[Ryuji: Huh...I gotta wonder what they were arguin' about...But hey, I'm an outsider. Nothin' to do with me. Thanks again for today, Keiko! Don't forget to massage your legs before you sleep 'kay? See ya later!]
For him to be thinking about rubbing Keiko's legs in his mind, not going to happen!
Morgana: He better be talking about you rubbing your own legs, Madame Keiko! Or so help me if you try to do it to you-!
Keiko: I know, Morgana. I can handle him.
Returning back to Leblanc, where Sojiro wanted to see Keiko to talk to her while Morgana leaves her school bag to walk around the place that wasn't near the booth or bar of the room and getting more text message group with Ann and Ryuji again, for Ann tells them about seeing Shiho at the hospital to check on her condition lately.
[Ann: I went to see Shiho today. And I told her we settled things with Kamoshida. She still hasn't regained consciousness...but I had to go make amends.]
[Ryuji: Whaddya mean? You didn't do anything wrong, Ann. Right, Keiko?]
[Keiko: He's right, Ann. It's not your fault. This is Kamoshida's doing.]
[Ann: But I wasn't there when she needed help. I'm a failure as a friend...I have to do all I can to make up for that, starting now. Otherwise I don't think I'll be able to move on.]
[Ryuji: Man, I didn't know you were so passionate. I totally didn't notice that back in middle school.]
[Ann: I think it's because of you guys. I'm a little embarrassed though...Anyway, Ryuji, Keiko, I hope we can keep helping each other out from now on too.]
Nice way for Keiko to make a few more friends, huh? Besides cleaning up the restaurant for Keiko to keep on living with Sojiro for free, he wanted to ask her for another favor in person to help him out on something else. Hey, other good news for Shiho was doing well, but she wasn't getting up yet for Ann to let Keiko and Ryuji know about it, still waiting for her to come through for this girl. The waiting on some other parts still continues...
Sojiro: Hey, Keiko. You got a minute?
Speak of the devil...
Keiko: Mr. Sakura? (How odd, I was just about to ask him something. I might as well try to.) Ah, yes?
Here we go then in a long talk.
Sojiro: There's somethin' I wanna ask you. C'mhere, let's have a chat.
Keiko: Okay. But I have to ask you for advice while we're at it.
Sojiro: It's a deal. Anyways...You're free tonight, aren't you? Care to have a little chat with me, Keiko? I mean, it's nothing bad. It's just some small talk.
Seems like he really wanted to talk to Keiko.
Keiko: Small talk with one another, right... (This may be my opportunity to deepen my bond more with Mr. Sakura...) Then let's talk.
This was good timing for Morgana to listen in on how Keiko will ask Sojiro for advice while also hearing what he needed to say to her as well.
Sojiro: Good. There're a lot of things I wanted to ask you about, Keiko. I'll go clean up real quick, so just wait here. Why don't you go first and tell me about this advice of yours. Don't be shy now.
And for Keiko to go first while Sojiro cleaned up to wait for him, to tell him about her dating with someone and another who likes her a lot more than a friend.
Keiko: Well, you see...I'm seeing someone who goes to a different school with a job and who's the same age as me. Taking our relationship very slow, but there's also...two more guys who are friends to me who are...in love with me too, but I don't feel the same way back...I want to tell them without hurting any of their feelings. What should I do?
Ryuji and Yuuki do, and for Sojiro to hear that part out loud because he thinks Keiko wasn't that type of girl.
Sojiro: Three boys are in love with you!?
This almost made Sojiro drop a glass and plate, but catches them from breaking.
Keiko: Wait, wait! Mr. Sakura, the boy I'm dating, is in love with me, he really loves me for who I really am to get to know him better. It's just the other two boys at my school who both have a crush on me. One who's very sensitive with a big heart who's smart, and the other guy was the first friend I've made when I started high school there with no friends with some trouble from their past, and I felt bad to help him out, but he loves me a lot, but I care to love him as a friend. I just told him I don't feel the same way back, but he means well. What I'm trying to say is this, Mr. Sakura...I don't know what to do. I thought you might know a little to help me out.
And so, he does have some tips when he was in love with someone from long ago to tell Keiko a little about his love life.
Sojiro: Oh. Oh, good! Sorry, I thought you were one of the girls who...you know for some like them have sex for money with many guys, but you wouldn't...I mean you would never do anything like it. I know!
Keiko: Ah, I know what you're trying to say. So it's okay. (I'm glad he's not saying I'm a whore, like I'll ever be in real life!)
Getting back to the point – Sojiro tells Keiko what she should do since he knows of someone who was another teenager he knows so well today.
Sojiro: Anyways, you have a boyfriend? That's great. I hope he's treating you very well for me to see him in person real soon. I hope I can meet with this guy later on. What's his name?
Keiko: Goro Akechi.
Sojiro was surprised to hear of Keiko dating someone who's an ace detective prince in the area.
Sojiro: Akechi? Lucky you. He's big, but I see why someone like him loves you a lot. Just don't do it in bed without protection and don't let him do things you don't want for him to do-!
Keiko: Mr. Sakura!
Another worrying guardian said those things to Keiko to make her feel embarrassed.
Sojiro: Sorry, I'll stop. But you know what to say and do. Again, you're lucky to be dating Akechi. Anyways, about the other guys at your school who are in love with you, but you love them as your friends only...And one of them kissed you...It's still not bad, but out of nowhere to not know no means no. Damn...! Anyways, I was in love with a wonderful woman and still taking care of her kid. It was from her other husband who ran off and then she passed away...But we both loved each other to do something for her. And for you, Keiko, I can at least say this to you next. About the other boys who love you a lot more than staying as friends, you have to try having a normal talk with one of them, or both. Tell them how you feel, but not in a romantic relationship type of way to already be taken. Only then they'll understand, but if they try to do anything that you don't like any of them or him doing to you, then fight back and just say no. You have to know you shouldn't be touched in any way creepy-like. I tell them something they do at my place; I say and do something about it. I'll allow you to do it when needed to fight back, but that's it! It's fine to defend yourself when you need to fight back then not do nothing at all. I hope this advice helped out.
Ah, I think it did for Keiko to remember it for Sojiro very well. This proves he really does care for her safety to do what's right sometimes when needed. As Keiko talked to Ryuji first to understand 'a little', and the other for Yuuki to hear later on from her.
Keiko: (A lot to be said and done! I'm guessing Ryuji gets me only.) You know what, Mr. Sakura? I think it'll help me out after all. I'll do that.
Sojiro: Good to know. Again, I hope to see you with Akechi in person later on. You better promise me. Now that you told me your issue, let's talk about mine next.
Keiko: Of course.
Now it was Sojiro's turn to tell Keiko what he was saying to her next.
Sojiro: So, how's school going for you other than some boy troubles? You're not causing any trouble, are you?
Keiko: I have not, other than some guy trouble to try to deal with on my own.
Sojiro: Well, well, Keiko...Good to know. Good. I've gotta report to your probation officer twice a month. It's already a pain in the ass as is, so please don't make me have to write even more crap. Got that? This society is kept in check by laws and authority figures.
Keiko: The law is the law after all. And people nowadays must follow the rules, no matter how some of them can suck.
Sojiro: You said it. Remember it well, Keiko. You can go and get yourself killed if you want, but don't go dragging other people into your mess. Just don't...Or try not to. The last thing we need is more idiots like you roaming around.
He means well to warn Keiko about it so she wouldn't put herself in danger.
Keiko: I'll keep that part in mind, Mr. Sakura.
Just then. Sojiro's cell phone rings to answer it to be someone of another teenager he knows of to care for very much. For he sounds very caring for this person a lot for Keiko to hear Sojiro to be a very nice person.
Sojiro: Hm? What's wrong? Yeah, I'm heading out now. Sorry about that...I know. The usual, right? OK, I'll see you later.
He hangs up for Keiko to listen in to everything.
Keiko: This other girl like me is talking to Mr. Sakura on the phone...? Just wondering...
Sojiro: You could say that, yes. As you can see, I'm pretty damn busy both at work and my private life. If you could lend a hand a little more around here for me, it'd really be an even greater help...
Keiko: More I can do? I'll be more than happy to help.
That's a yes for Keiko to do more work for Sojiro around Leblanc...
Sojiro: Now, we're talking. Either way, I won't ask you to work for free. If you agree to help me, Keiko, then...I'll teach you how to make the perfect cup of coffee. Not a bad trade, eh?
Keiko: Learn how to make coffee too? Sounds interesting.
More work to do and then some to learn something for Sojiro and Keiko to be getting along very well.
Sojiro: All right. Looks like we've got ourselves a deal.
Keiko: Okay. (The distance between me and Mr. Sakura seems to be closing slightly...)
A more bond of those two was growing. With another slot of another Confidant to grow next for this guy...
—-
Tayla: For Keiko tells the rest of the story to Sae in the present time for her to understand that her guardian Sojiro was trusting in her more and more every single day at a time. For Keiko to be a minor of a Phantom Thief to have Sojiro to support her carefully to have a home to stay in, parenting type and school time. It was there back to the past when Keiko's slot of Confidants grew with Sojiro this time with another card to open up to. Nice! The more people she knows and helps out 'like Morgana told her', the stronger the bond happens.
Sae: You may call yourself a phantom thief, but you're still a minor. Someone had to support you. Furthermore, they did so knowing you were part of that group...Isn't the owner of that cafe an accomplice of yours!?
I am thou, thou art I...Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Hierophant Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power...
Tayla: Hierophant Arcana #6 - Sojiro Sakura
The Hierophant is a symbol of education, authority, conservatism, obedience to rules and relationship with the divine. The definition of a "hierophant" is a person who interprets sacred mysteries or esoteric principles, and the term was originally used to name ancient Greek priests who did so. This Arcana's original name, however, is the Pope, the male counterpart of the Popess (Priestess in the series). Game play-wise, the Personas of the Hierophant Arcana have no weaknesses, but no particular strengths as well. Hierophant mythological figures tend to mirror Priestess figures, being male priests, gods of wisdom, or divine beings. Characters of the Hierophant Arcana are often older than Keiko herself, and are typically quite wise and logical. The most common connection between Hierophant characters, however, is their association (and obsession) with the past.
This guy's Arcana and Confidant goes up to the first level 1.
Sojiro: I'll be counting on your help.
Keiko: I'll do my best, Mr. Sakura.
Sojiro: Thanks again, Keiko, you're not half bad.
As Keiko tries to finish cleaning up the place by cleaning the mugs, silverware, and dishes in the sink, leaving Sojiro to head on home to close the cafe too.
Keiko: I'm almost done here.
Sojiro: Okay, I'll let you handle the rest for tonight. Gotta say, I'm glad you catch on quickly with this stuff. Makes my life a lot easier. Just keep doing what you can, Keiko. And don't cause any trouble, right?
Keiko: You got it, Mr. Sakura.
Sojiro: Glad to hear it. For today, just finish up to make this cafe look spotless for tomorrow for me. And don't go too crazy with the stuff in the shop. You're staying here rent-free, so you should know not to go overboard. All right, see you tomorrow.
Keiko: Good night.
For Sojiro to close shop for tonight as Keiko and Morgana go to bed to learn how things will turn out from one another, to trusting each other still and try to deal with Ryuji's affections for Keiko the next time it happens 'for him to get the point' and later with Yuuki as well.
Morgana: (Life can work itself out sometimes when you talk things over like they did. Well done, Madame Keiko.)
More to come around next time for sure.