Persona 5 Royal: tmdrago Special Edition
By Tayla Drago
Episode #27 - Two Men with Words and Helping
Year 20xx
Day #32 – May 5/10th – Tuesday
Another day to use the train to get to school for Keiko to be ready and studying really hard 'and Morgana in her school bag'. While waiting for her to stop, who else would bump into her but Makoto again to try to ask her about something. Again?
Morgana: Oh, no...Madame Keiko, here comes trouble.
Keiko: (Makoto?!) Morgana, I'll handle this.
And hopefully she does with this top student at her school.
Makoto: Well, if it isn't Keiko Amamiya herself. We meet again.
Keiko: Hi, Makoto.
She sees Keiko was ready to study carefully.
Makoto: Likewise. It looks like you're attending school seriously. You also seem very close with both Sakamoto-san and Takamaki-san if all of you guys are coming to school together. You and Sakamoto-san seem to be very close, but you see him as a friend like Mishima-san is with you. They love you a lot, but you care for them as very dear friends of yours. And Takamaki-san...A good person as she is for the rumors to be true or not, you two seem to become best friends for her too and Sakamoto-san to hit it off better.
Keiko: Yes, well they are. I love them all as my friends. And...I already have a boyfriend. (Akechi-Cun...) We're just people who understand each other. Like Yuuki who also gets us, both he and Ryuji are just friends to me. Ryuji and Ann are great together in a strange love kind of way, it's what love does to some people.
Makoto: I see, you're not one of those girls. Good...It would be bad for our school to have those ruining their lives for nothing. It's just you, Keiko, you transferred here though...I guess you three really click as friends.
Just as friends for Keiko, Ryuji, and Ann.
Keiko: It just happened I guess. (This girl is too smart to talk out of, and yet she keeps on trying. Someone's making her do all of this to us. Is it one of the teachers...?)
Keiko might be on to something about Koba to have Makoto to be doing all of this for him.
Makoto: I see...You hate being alone to try making some friends, it would seem that you have. I've heard both you and Takamaki-san were victims of Mr. Kamoshida, but was that all there was to it...? Either way, closer inspection should clear everything up...I just wanted to tell you, Keiko, and take care. Goodbye.
Off she goes and Keiko on to the train to get through today.
Keiko: Morgana, does Makoto hate me? Ryuji? Ann? Or just all of us?
Morgana: I don't think so, just someone to keep her head out of our business.
Keiko: Then I was right, she's being used by someone. Makoto's not a bad person. I can feel it...
Seems like it, and off to the train to school for Keiko to learn a lot more in Mr. Inui's class or in history class. Either way – Keiko was ready for the exams to do well, and she hopes for other two friends were the same thing: even for Ryuji to do his very best to studying hard on his end... Still, another fine day to try to do something for today after school was over.
Keiko: I better go do some more practice time with Ryuji to help him run better.
Then later Ryuji asks Keiko to help him train for track running again to do after school, besides the gym sometimes.
Ryuji: Man, we really don't got a good place to train, huh...I mean, we'd prolly run into Nakaoka and them if we stuck around here…You got any ideas?
To practice running somewhere else instead of outside the spot that Ryuji does it at? Anything in mind...?
Keiko: How about...We can train at my place?
A nice thought, but a bit too small in Yongen-Jaya to do anywhere in a big area.
Ryuji: You seriously think we'd get any trainin' done there? Thanks, Keiko, but I don't know from there. I bet we'd just end up eatin' ice cream and playin' video games all day long. That's just kinda what happens, y'know? ...Eh, I guess it won't hurt to peek 'round the gym. If they ain't there, maybe we can-
It was hard to do it at his favorite spot not as much. Just then, they hear a familiar voice.
Familiar Voice: Hrgh...!
Ryuji: ...Nakaoka?
Keiko: Wait, he's here in our school?
The two check it out to see Ryuji's other form three teams were giving Nakaoka a hard time with them, like they were going to be having a big fight or something.
Keiko: (Those guys again? This can't be good.)
Ryuji: Takeishi? The hell are you guys doin'...?
Takeishi: Just asking our old friend here some questions. It's none of your business, Sakamoto!
Ryuji: By askin' him with your fists? Talk about being a coward!
No kidding, it was!
Takeishi: It's because Nakaoka told Mr. Kamoshida lots of bull shit to ruin our track career. It's all his fault!
Ryuji: Huh? That's a load of bull!
This was bad...Soon Keiko speaks up to tell the boys to stop with all of this craziness.
Keiko: What happened in the past, stays in the past! You boys should know better by now. Kamoshida made Nakaoka spill the beans by force! You all should trust him since Kamoshida's finished as a gym teacher. Shame on all three of you.
Nice words from Keiko to not take any crap for Ryuji to love her style and her hot looks.
Ryuji: (Damn, Keiko...) That's right! You guys have been trainin' together for freakin' forever! Plus, ain't the track team comin' back? You don't gotta fight!
Takeishi: ...Sh-Shut up! I'm telling you guys; this piece of shit sold us out! What he did to us and you when Kamoshida spoke back and forth about your parents, remember?!
Still going on with hating this whole thing from the past to never end, huh? It's all true, but it was time to move on.
Track Member #1: He has to be the snitch!
Now this has to stop!
Ryuji: H-Hold up!
Ryuji then goes up to defend Nakaoka for Keiko to watch all of this while the other boys tell him to move away or else.
Keiko: (Ryuji, be careful...)
Takeishi: Sakamoto, move it! Or we'll beat you up with Nanaoka as well!
He won't move at all.
Ryuji: Go ahead, I can take it more than Nanaoka will. But it won't do you any good for me to know that already. Trust me!
Now he has said it to make the three boys stop.
Track Member #1: Huh?
Ryuji: Look...If Nanaoka was working for Kamoshida, it's fine now, right? The bastard's finally gone to jail and you can put all of this behind you. There's no reason to fight anymore, yeah?
Takeishi: But what if it happens again to destroy our team for good?
Then Nanaoka finally says something.
Nanaoka: But...I didn't do anything...I wasn't even working with Kamoshida in the first place. Go on, hit me. No matter what you guys try to do to me, my answer will still be the same.
Takeshi: Oh, yeah? Well, we've got proof! Yamauchi told us all about it.
Once that name was told, Ryuji recognized the man's name.
Ryuji: ...Yamauchi?
Keiko: Him again?
This was getting pretty bad for one of them to stop this whole thing right away to be another track member to say so.
Track Member #2: C'mon, Takeishi, let's go before someone sees us.
Guess the three have to retreat for now.
Takeishi: Shit...! They might tell us to be much worse, let's go. This isn't over yet, Nanaoka! We're out of here...
And they flee like real cowards they are, and jerks. Ryuji checks on Nanaoka on how he was doing and Keiko does the same thing.
Keiko: I'm glad that's all over with.
Ryuji: Me too...Hey, Nanaoka, you OK? I mean what the hell was that all about?
Seems like he's going to be just fine to not let this bother him. But he couldn't admit it to them to just leave it be, really?
Nanaoka: Sakamoto, stay out of this please! It has nothing to do with you!
Ryuji: But...
Nanaoka; The way you punched Kamoshida to really want to beat him up badly back then. It must've been hard on you to endure his bullshit. Lots of it...I could've been somewhere I belonged and I've lost it all because you have to stop him! Even what he said to you about your parents.
Even he was left down and sad...
Ryuji: ...I get it, really. I wasn't myself then and now I know. I'm over the whole parent thing now since that day. Also I realized something, Nanaoka...I might've done and said stuff at Kamoshida back then, but hangin' on to the past won't do anyone any good. For now on, I'm focusing on myself to be myself to track and nothing else.
Keiko: Way to go, Ryuji!
Good, for Ryuji to learn something a while back is a good thing to move on with his friends.
Nanaoka: What the hell are you talking about?! Be yourself, ha!
And he just leaves after so much he just went through with no thanks to sit through all of that crap for nothing.
Ryuji: Hey, Keiko. Did you get what I was tryin' to say?
Keiko: (More than I know of from watching the whole thing.) Yes I do.
Ryuji: I know, right? He wasn't the one who wasn't listening. Stopping fights to not being thanked for nothing. Oh, well...What can you do? But becoming a new you feels free and such. You know?
Keiko: Kind of...
Ryuji: Come on, Keiko, don't leave me hanging.
Keiko: What? Hearing you explain something is like saying free from what? Flying?
Ryuji: Or a fart.
He lets out another one and for Keiko to find that to be gross.
Keiko: Ryuji!
She hits him.
Ryuji: I hate getting hit, but I can take your slaps anytime, babe. Hahaha!
This makes Ryuji to laugh and then Keiko joins in to see a good friend he was to her. With his Arcana and Confidant goes up to level 6 for Ryuji going up to be something even better of the Confidant to be happening for one of her teammates.
Keiko: (Oh, Ryuji...A pervert and silly you can be, I do understand how you feel to call you a dear friend of mine.)
Ryuji: Come on...Let's do some rounds, get cleaned up when we're done, and get some ramen on the way home.
Keiko: Okay!
And they do that for Ryuji to be a good guy on what he tries to do today, only to have another Shadow on the loose for Keiko, Ryuji, and Morgana to sense out together.
Morgana: Ryuji! Madame Keiko! A Shadow's after one of the members of the track team.
Meaning the last person to leave the scene was none other than...Nanaoka!
Ryuji: Shit! It's after Nanaoka!
Keiko: He's going after who?!
From those who are suicidal, sad, mad, stress, and/or scared to have Nanaoka lost and confused was also one of those things when they strike to take over the host. Affecting his body for the Shadow to control the grounds of a Shadow mutt, and Morgana allowing the Metaverse door to open up...only for Ryuji and Keiko to go in first to leave Morgana to trip.
Morgana: Meow? Ouch!
Keiko: Ryuji, let's go after this Shadow!
Ryuji: Ah, right. Mona, get Ann right away!
Those two go off first.
Morgana: Hey! Grr...Fine! But you owe me one, Ryuji! Go stop the Shadow!
Tayla: Persona #26 – Shiisaa
Okinawa. A shishi-like creature said to be a protective spirit. Paired figurines of them are often set at entrances to houses. A local version of the Chinese shishi.
For Nakaoka wants to control the grounds to be the best and being accused made him upset to run away from the truth.
Shiisaa: Grah! I don't need anyone to believe in me! Fine! Be that way! I'll just out run my problems, I'll run away from it all!
He was moving like a wild animal to cause the ground to cause a powerful quake of the Cognitive beings to cheer on the track show of Shiisaa's movements. Having Keiko and Ryuji to lose their balance, and for Keiko to fall on top of Ryuji to like it.
Ryuji: Sorry-! Damn...
Keiko: Hey, Ryuji! Come on, it's time to transform to save Nanaoka right away from this Shadow! Suit up! Code name – Joker!
So much for his love moment to last long.
Ryuji: Ah, right. (I still love the feeling I get from her.) Suit up! Code name – Skull!
Transforming for the two takes action before more help arrives, for the two stop Shiisaa to go all wild to have something to throw at to avoid it quickly by making side walls of point rocks. This thing's very tricky.
Shiisaa: Huh? Hey! Who dares stop my running?!
And appearing to two Phantom Thieves.
Ryuji: Hey, ass hole! Havin' issues with my old track members is something I need to deal with, but hurting one of 'em is unforgivable! Now you're gonna get it.
Keiko: What Skull just said! (I can see why he's mad about this.) Running away from your problems won't solve anything. Not for sports or something to be up that's not your fault, because no one should make matters worse to hurt yourself. You need to stop along with the boy's body you're using. I think it's time for you to slow down.
Ryuji: Ha! What she said! (Man, Keiko, you're so cute when you're serious in battle.)
Now the Shadow will have to fight them off in any way Shiisaa must go up against two of the Phantom Thieves.
Shiisaa: You two are telling me what to do?! No! I won't listen! I'll run and I'll keep on running until I solve all of my problems! So shut it and get out of my way!
Off he goes to not stop, almost running into Ryuji/Skull and Keiko/Joker to both step aside right away.
Ryuji: Um...How can we stop this one?
Keiko: Only one thing we can do, Skull. Outrun it too!
Using one of Keiko's other Persona's abilities to give a chance for Ryuji to go after the Shadow as well.
Ryuji: Wait for me! (I have to save Nanaoka's ass right away!)
What a race this became for Shiisaa had a lot more ground to cover against these guys to come popping out to be sharp rocks. For Ryuji to crush and Keiko to fire off her gun.
Shiisaa: Hey! Grah! I'm running here! Stay way behind me!
Now shaking the ground to make them lose balance again was hard to stand up either way.
Keiko: Whoa! The ground!
Ryuji: Can't get up!
Almost down to the count for Shiisaa had more boulders coming at them...
Shiisaa: Now to finish you both off-!
Soon to be stopped by a powerful whip of fire and wind to push the Shadow way fast to go flying into a wall to slow down there.
Morgana: Furious Fangs!
Ann: Burning Claw!
Shiisaa: The Hell!?
Help has finally arrived.
Keiko: It's you guys!
None other than Morgana/Mona and Ann/Panther to the rescue.
Morgana: This is the end of the race for you, Shadow!
Ann: It's time that we all step in.
Ryuji: About friggin' time you all showed up!
It wasn't easy getting back in at all. Well, slowing this Shadow down was one thing, but...it creates more earthquakes and rocks to go all over the place for no one couldn't slow Shiisaa down at all!
Shiisaa: Grah! Now you've all done it! I'll shake you all to the ground!
No one couldn't even touch him, but Ryuji put his tracking skills to the test by jumping over the danger and into the core of it all.
Ryuji: Shake on this!
Using his weapon, Ryuji whacks Shiisaa on the head really hard to crack from his mental type of head to really get to him.
Shiisaa: OOOOWWWW! That hurt, dammit!
Ryuji: No more shaking the grounds! You wanna do so, then lets you and me race it off. C'mon, lets go!
A fair tracking race type of chase, huh? Seems fair for the Shadow to do with Ryuji.
Shiisaa: Fine...Grr...Race me, but the others stay put.
They have to stay behind because this one was something for Ryuji to do alone.
Ann: But, Skull-!
Morgana: No, Panther, let Skull handle this one on his own.
Since they couldn't do anything for Ryuji, all they could do was watch.
Keiko: You got this.
Getting to their places, for them to wait for Keiko to fire off her gun...and bang! There they go! Ryuji tries to catch up to Shiisaa's speed and ground troubles to stand up from.
Morgana: You better not whip out now, Skull! Win this!
Ryuji: Shuddup! I know, stupid cat!
Then keep on running! As Ryuji/Skull gave it his all to avoid falling down or getting pushed at by rocks from Shiisaa's doing, it was going well to not stop running to make up from the past for a good future later on and whatever's happening right now to solve for Takashi, the other members, and Nanaoka's sake. All of it with Keiko's help, Ann, Morgana, and the new friends he was making 'even in the new Confidants so far'. Without stopping to make some electrical speed from his abilities, he out runs Shiisaa to have a shocking feeling to his feet to slow down; and his attack grounds was painful enough to make him stop running – leaving Ryuji to finally racing all the way to the finish line and the winner in battle to say the least.
Keiko: Skull did it!
Morgana and Ann: Yes!
Even though he was excited, he didn't think Ryuji had it in him, but he did.
Ryuji: I won...? Holy shit, I did it! I ran against a Shadow! Hells yeah! Hey, Joker, did you see me?
And now it was time to save Nanaoka from Shiisaa to give himself up, as the 4 Phantom Thieves surround him with guns out.
Shiisaa: No. No! I've lost! What have you thieves done to me?!
Keiko: No more, you're done for.
Shiisaa: But without me running anywhere else, I'm done for! I need to run away from my problems-! Grr! Otherwise-!
Looks like Ryuji takes over to say something to this Shadow instead.
Ryuji: Oh, would you just shut up already?! Running away from your problems ain't gonna solve anything. Something will work out only, not to push the blame on something you didn't even do. I bet something will turn up somehow from this little mistake of yours. Let Nanaoka clear his mind from the others for now, just leave your talented runnin' skills in battle only.
Nice speech there to leave the others and the Shadow himself...Well, speechless.
Morgana: No bad, Skull.
Ann: That's one of the smartest things I ever heard him say so far.
Like I said, left speechless.
Shiisaa: So wait, I can still run. In battle you said?
Ryuji: Please don't make me say it twice. Of course you can. It's better than getting mad for nothing. Hey, Joker, you're up.
It was time to save Shadow and Nanaoka' problems right away for both Ryuji and Keiko to work on the rest on their own later on.
Keiko: It'll be fine. Your skills are good to use for battle.
Shiisaa: Yeah...? You're right. Grah! I wanna outrun others in a race, like Skull there. Nice run.
Ryuji: Same here, man.
A nice way to show they care and such...And now, Keiko does the rest.
Keiko: Shiisaa - Rooftop Lion, I've commit thee to join!
From a Shadow to a good Persona for Shiisaa's powers to be very useful in battle later on for Keiko to absorb into her mask.
Shiisaa: Running...It feels good to feel like you're running in the wind itself. To make you all speed up for battle, just leave it all to me! Grah! I am thou, thou art I. I'm Shiisaa for my speed in running and creating powerful earthquakes or other earth type of elements with no other bounds. I'll do my best to win this race in any battle.
Another Shadow stopped, another person saved, and back to the real world again. Keiko, Ryuji, Morgana, and Ann all turn back to normal after this. As well as Nanaoka who was only out cold and sleeping to be just fine. Looks like it was Ryuji Sakamoto who saved the day this time.
Ryuji: Yes! Did you see me?! I was so good!
Ann: Nice one, Ryuji-!
Almost hugging there to have Ann stop a little.
Ryuji: Thanks, but Keiko I wouldn't want to hug me more.
But she places her hand on Ryuji's back to pat it instead.
Keiko: You did good today.
A good chance for Ryuji and Ann's love to grow even more.
Ann: Yeah, what she just said.
The two girls winked to keep on trying somehow.
Ryuji: Ah, I guess it's worth getting praised a little.
Morgana: OK, you did fine, Ryuji. Now everyone gets out of this area before he comes around.
Ann: Right!
Off they all split up for Ryuji and Keiko will work something out with the other thing later on.
Keiko: See ya, Ryuji!
Ryuji: Right back at ya! (Sweet, it felt good to be runnin' again! At least for us as Phantom Thieves.)
Well, it all worked out well, huh? For Nanaoka to drink some water as he thought he ran way too much today.
Nanaoka: Ah, I knew I should've drank a bit more before running. Takeshi...Sakamoto-Kun...I didn't do anything wrong.
He'll be fine, but something was going on with the track team to have Takeshi get mad at Nanaoka with no proof of what it was. Not good...Well, more on that part when Ryuji gets something as evidence. Hours later Keiko and Morgana returned back to Cafe Leblanc to then go out for a bit again. Well, before going inside of the place, Keiko gets a call from Ryuji to answer it 'to still love her even though she's already dating Akechi'.
[Ryuji: Yo, Keiko, you good right now? What a battle, huh? But we all did it. And all that mess with the track team...Guess I was right about my gut feeling. And Nakaoka can get weirdly stubborn sometimes, except without the whole Shadow part. He'll keep his mouth shut whether or not someone's punchin' him.]
Keiko: So he should've punched back? I can't say I blame you, Ryuji.
[Ryuji: Whoa, hey, that's not what I'm saying! No violence, period! Although...It sounds hot comin' from you, babe...I thought you're supposed to be the pacifist here type of girl! Saving Nanaoka from the Shadow's one thing, but that's all we can fight for, not fight back at them in our world. Look, I'm just sayin' there's gotta be another way to solve this instead of just goin' dark?]
Keiko: I was only saying, Ryuji, but I get it.
[Ryuji: 'Kay, that's it. I'm gonna do a full investigation. I'll hit you up if I find anything! Later! Still love ya either way even we're just comrades!]
And they say some people with brute strength couldn't do anything, well Ryuji was one of them.
Morgana: Fine, I'll admit...Ryuji's not half bad. Maybe he'll come around more and more.
Keiko: Sounds good to me, Morgana. He's a good friend.
Morgana: And only a friend to you.
With Keiko cleaning up Leblanc for Sojiro, then later on both she and Morgana go out to help with another one of his speeches to be told and heard from Yoshi once again. And then both Keiko and Morgana headed to the Shibuya - Train Square again to see another one of Yoshi's speeches to see him getting some people to listen in so far.
Morgana: Looks like this man's doing pretty well since the other day, huh Madame Keiko?
Keiko: That he is. I better aid Yoshi a bit more tonight and then a little bit later on.
And she does for Yoshi to allow her to hold the sign again to get people's attention and speaks out again.
Yoshi: And while our society appears to be prosperous, many of our young people are quietly suffering. They lack jobs, security, savings...The next generation will lead us into the future and yet they have no plan for how to arrive there.
From the good speech to be happening, someone says something bad about it.
Older Male: ...Watch where you're going, you little shit!
Younger Male: You bumped into me, you old goat!
A fight was going on for Yoshi and Keiko to see it.
Keiko: (At a time like this...? Really?)
Yoshi: This isn't good...
Keiko: It's hard to stop a fight without getting into one. Should we leave them be, Yoshi?
Not unless an important adult like Yoshi can talk about it for Keiko to support him since she didn't want to get into trouble, to be a good person and not accidentally do anything bad 'not at all'.
Yoshi: Sorry, Keiko. But apathy is unacceptable.
So he speaks up to stop the two men who were fighting at one another to seem to be working.
Yoshi: Good citizens, please stop fighting! What is the point of bickering over such a trivial matter?
Like those two men will listen to anything...
Older Male: This is none of your business!
Younger Male: Yeah, serious. Just shut up!
Older Male: What's with this guy...?
Some leave while others listen to end the fight well without anything else getting worse. Allowing for Yoshi to continue with his speech for Keiko to still help him out.
Yoshi: ...Now, if you'll please excuse me, I must return to my speech. Together, we can create a bright future for the next generation.
And another person said something else that was very rude.
Random Guy: Ugh, so righteous...They really annoys me...
Man in Suit: Enough of your arrogance, "No-Good Tora"!
Not another one...
Yoshi: Wha-?!
Man in Suit: As if anyone would actually vote for YOU! Are you planning to embezzle funds again? Or maybe criticize one of your constituents again? You criminal!
So rude to say about someone who's trying to make a change of things.
Keiko: Butt out, mister!
Yoshi: No...! Th-That was...all in the past...
This was getting Yoshi nowhere for Keiko to help the man out and getting him out of the scene.
Keiko: Okay, let's go, Yoshi. Time out for a bit. (People can be so rude even with their hearts not changed to be their mean selves.)
A close call, with no good results from anything today.
Yoshi: Thank you, Keiko, but what's the use...? I've gone and done it again.
Keiko: Hey...Don't let it get to you; that's some campaign obstruction to happen for others who don't get it.
Having a good point about it from Keiko's point of view, Yoshi knows about it to still try his hardest.
Yoshi: Yes, but I cannot say that to the crowd before an election...Regardless, whenever someone calls me "No-Good Tora", I panic. I went through quite an ordeal 20 years ago...
Keiko: What happened then?
There was a good reason for Yoshi to tell Keiko all about it in his own words.
Yoshi: ...Let me explain. I used to be a member of the National Diet.
From the thing of the different demarcated thingy to have three different parties.
Keiko: Oh... (I remember learning about these types of group campaigns in history class.)
Yoshi: I was elected during the rise of the "Kuramoto Children." We were backed by powerful Diet members. This was about 20 years ago. I was very inexperienced back then, both as a politician, as well as a human being. That inexperience led me to be involved in a series of major political scandals.
For one thing, learning about something and almost doing it, made Yoshi learn a lot for one person from the group.
Keiko: I never knew that. You must've been very serious to try to make a good change this time.
Want to know why people say to Yoshi about the nickname they always call him...?
Yoshi: That I am, Keiko. People refer to my blunders as "No-Good Tora's Three Strikes." The first was being caught missing a legislative meeting to take a personal vacation. Then, I was accused of embezzling a large sum of money from the party...giving me two strikes. Finally, I called a voter an idiot at an open forum, which resulted in scandal...and strike three.
Kind of bad luck, huh? Even Keiko felt bad for this man to go through so much.
Keiko: Sorry... (That's why he wants to change everything, to bring luck to everyone other than Yoshi to make a difference.)
Yoshi: It's fine. Afterwards, I was out...and branded a washed-up politician. Keiko, you said you wanted to become a member of the Diet. But do you see the man before you?
And how does Keiko feel about Yoshi after hearing all of his story...?
Keiko: (A questionable background...Accused of embezzlement...However, he has conviction and wants to change the world. Public speaking skills could be useful to the Phantom Thieves, so I'll make a deal with him.) Yoshi, I can help you spread the word. I like to help out others. And I wish to guide you by changing everyone for the good.
Yoshi: Really...? Do you really want to receive my guidance?
Keiko: I think your speeches are good to help the people who really need it.
From the words of Keiko 'and Morgana to be touched from her words', have Yoshi's spirits up to keep on going.
Yoshi: I'm happy to hear, however...Everyone says I have no chance to get elected, so why come to me?
Keiko: Yoshi, you have confidence in yourself.
This makes Yoshi happy to chuckle for Keiko to see him have his heart changed in time to keep on going.
Yoshi: *chuckle* You're doing a good job of cheering me up, Keiko...But you may be right. The most important part about giving a good speech is believing in yourself. Perhaps one day, I will believe in myself...again. Very well. I am learning how to give a great speech. It is what you seek, Keiko, then I'd be happy to instruct you. In exchange, I would like for you to continue assisting me. Let's get started, shall we?
And the deal's been set.
Keiko: Okay, let's do this. (Yeah! I made a deal with Yoshi.)
Yoshi was happy to have Keiko help him out to do something to get other advice from him in return, everything was all set.
—-
Tayla: Showing the present time again for Keiko to tell Sae about Yoshi next to make a good friend to help Yoshi out with the speeches. From one thing to another to spread the word to change things on who's good too bad for others to have a change of heart to politician things, for Keiko to help out another person...As Sae finds this to have more word get out more from the Phantom Thieves so much, you know?
Sae: Staging your crimes with calling cards...It's hard to believe that a student like you, Keiko, could manage this alone. An adult-for example, someone talented enough to move people with words-perhaps they coached you...Isn't that right!?
Back in the past time again for Keiko to have another slot to be opened up for Yoshi, another Confidant is happening…
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 Sun Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power...
Tayla: Sun Arcana #8 - Toranosuke Yoshida 'Yoshi'
Portrayed as two children holding hands under a blazing sun, The Sun symbolizes happiness, joy, energy, optimism, and accomplishment. Occasionally, it is also associated with one's initial happiness.
Persona of the Sun Arcana are commonly Persona excelling in Light and Fire-based attacks. These Personas are typically mythological figures directly related to the sun, light, or fire. Characters of the Sun Arcana almost always (ironically) find themselves in terrible situations, the situation belying the underlying optimism present in nearly all of them. Also, as the Sun Arcana portrays accomplishment, some of these characters have deep thoughts about the meaning of life and manage to find their answers.
Seems like Yoshi's Arcana and Confidant goes up to the first level 1.
Yoshi: Let's pursue your dream of becoming a member of the Diet...Oh, my, we've been talking for far too long. Let's call it quits for today, Keiko.
Keiko: Yes, I'll head on home now and do what I can sometimes to help you out, Yoshi, good night.
She leaves with Morgana to go back home to Leblanc to get some sleep. Well, I almost had something else to say to Keiko. A lot on Yoshi's mind tonight, huh?
Yoshi: Ah, Keiko!
Keiko: Yes, Yoshi?
Yoshi: I'm sorry, there's something I forgot to mention. It's about my speech schedule from this point on. Would you be willing to stick around to hear it?
Sounds promising for Yoshi's skills to come in handy for Keiko to do in the Metaverse and/or Mementos.
Keiko: OK! Just let me write this down.
Sounds like a deal to put it all down on Keiko's phone to have Yoshi laughing.
Yoshi: Quite a practical young woman, eh? Well, I won't take up too much of your time. I'll be here giving my speeches every Sunday. You're welcome to drop by and help whenever you've got the time. That's all I wanted to say. Now, be careful on your way home. Well then, I shall see you again soon.
And they go back home afterwards for Morgana and Keiko to get some sleep next, a good day to do something so kind. Also tomorrow was the next three days of the exams coming up.
Year 20xx
Day #33 – May 5/11th – Wednesday
School starts off on a rainy day to have lots of rumors about the Phantom Thieves to be doing good and the bar to raise little by little, to be good for Yuuki to see. Besides having another meeting for the students to go to later in a few days at school, what could it be this time?
Keiko: What could it be about this time?
Morgana: I guess we'll know soon enough, Madame Keiko when that day arrives. But for now, it's exam time.
Keiko: Right! Got to head to class!
Other than that – it was exam time for the next few days in Mr. Inui's class first for Keiko to do pretty well to remember the things she has learn from the things in classes so far, so she had no trouble thanks to Akechi and Morgana helping her out from the past few days to go by quickly. From biology class...
Morgana: Keep it up, Madame Keiko. I think you're getting somewhere.
Keiko: Yes.
Year 20xx
Day #34 – May 5/12th – Thursday
Next was history exams in Mr. Hiruta's class on day two to have Keiko get the others right the way she has learned it so far, so hopefully Ann and Ryuji were doing the same thing too. And from a few questions to write down, it wasn't as hard as yesterday's answers from science class.
Keiko: (I think I can do all of this little at a time.)
Sorry, but I have to speed it up on the exam parts here...And if I mess up the day times, sorry. Sometimes I try not to get it mixed up to be too late to fix it. After school today for Keiko to relax in a bathhouse to enter and Morgana to wait for her outside.
Year 20xx
Day #35 – May 5/13th – Friday
And next was social studies in Ms. Chouno's class and a bit from math as well for Keiko, Ann, Ryuji, Yuuki, Kasumi, Kiwa, and the other students to do on the third day of their exams 'and final one too', for once again Keiko does very well on for Morgana to see.
Morgana: Madame Keiko, I think you did very well.
Keiko: Yeah, I did good.
Morgana: And between you and me, I hope both Lady Ann and Ryuji have done better as well. Have to study hard to remember well for better grades.
True, so very true. As for the other students, they had to wait for their results later on to be shown on the charts – it was time for the school-wide assembly to be in as Koba had something to say to the students to arrive and listen in. Something new maybe? For Morgana to listen in as Keiko, Ryuji, Ann, Yuuki, and everyone else arrived to see Koba on stage to speak up next.
Koba: Ever since that specific incident, many of you have voiced concerns that I could not bear to ignore. We believe the mental health of your student body is absolutely vital, so we've acquired the services of a therapist. The floor is yours, Doctor...
And now stepping on stage was a young man as the students' therapist to talk to named Takuto Maruki. Some of the female students find him to be very cute looking at them, oh boy. Well, at least not to Ann or Keiko to find him attracted.
Keiko: (A new therapist in our school?)
Carefree Girl: Isn't he hot?
Clearing his throat, Maruki finally speaks up to the students.
Maruki: It's nice to meet you all.
Yep, a lot of girls really were falling for Maruki's looks. Really...?
Calm Girl: Whoa, his voice is sexy!
Maruki: My name is-Huh?
Trying to get the microphone to work, Maruki seems to be a clumsy person trying to try fixing it. With those things his words and ears work much better.
Maruki: My name is Takuto Maruki. Thank you for welcoming me to your school.
Bowing down to hit his head on the microphone, others laugh to see what he can do his best, and some he cannot do. For Koba to deal with Maruki's clumsiness was better than nothing.
Keiko: (Oh, I think he's just being silly...)
Maruki: No need to be formal with me, though. I'm just here to counsel anyone who's interested. You can even call me Doc, if that would help you feel more comfortable. Any assistance you need, I'll be-Oh...I guess I'm not really any good for helping with money problems...
A little joke there for others to laugh at again, and then Koba makes his speeches next.
Koba: ...Thank you, Dr. Maruki.
Well, that was taken care of. During the afternoon for Ryuji to meet up with Keiko and Ann down the courtyard.
Ryuji: Yo.
Keiko: Hi, Ryuji.
Ryuji: You ever expect this place to actually give a shit about our mental health?
It was hard to say, but it was better than having anymore suicides.
Ann: Well, our school's made national news. Maybe they figured they'd look even worse if they didn't do anything for us.
Ryuji: And Doctor, uh...Doctor Whatshisname.
Ann: Maruki.
Keiko: Doctor Takuto Maruki.
Hard for Ryuji to get used to saying Maruki's name right, but he'll get the hang of it soon enough 'as always'.
Ryuji: Yeah-wasn't that guy just basically clownin' it up onstage? You really think he'll do us any good?
Ann: Ryuji...
I think it'll be fine. Soon, Maruki comes up to the three to try to get used to some of the students of Shujin.
Maruki: Hey there. Sakamoto-Kun and Takamaki-san, right? And that must make you...Amamiya-Kun.
Already knowing about them, huh? That's smart.
Keiko: That's us, right.
Ryuji: How d'you know our names?
Well, he was told about it only.
Maruki: Well, I was informed of certain students before beginning my tenure here. Those that had, ah...previous interactions with Mr. Kamoshida. Amamiya-Kun, poor girl. It must've been especially tough for you after having just transferred here.
Keiko: Oh, yes...That. (And lucky not to get raped.) To think I'd end up in a castle...
Just mumbling there to not say it out loud for this guy wouldn't get it.
Maruki: A castle?
Well, Maruki only hears a little.
Ryuji: Hey babe, shh...! Be careful what you say.
Keiko: I didn't mean to out loud.
Ryuji: I know-! Sorry.
He lets go of Keiko's mouth to cover it a little.
Ann: Ahahahaha, oh! Don't mind her. Keiko's a good person to sleep with and dream up a fantasy world of a castle. What a thing to think about.
Ryuji: So...whaddya want with us?
This might be someone to talk to from sort of their troubles to deal with. Just without the other world part to Maruki to still keep it a secret from others.
Maruki: Ah yes, I'd forgotten...I know I already offered my services to the student body earlier, but would you be interested in counseling?
Ryuji: Nope, not at all.
Maruki: Huh?!
A bit rude to answer back, huh? Oh, Ryuji...
Ryuji: How's that surprising?
Maruki: You were just a touch more emphatic about it than I'd expected...Ah! But, if you come to my office, you can have free snacks! All you can eat...would be nice, but there's still plenty to be had. So, how about it?
Some trouble talking and free snacks? Somehow it sounds fun and fair.
Keiko: Free snacks too? Are you sure, Maruki?
Ann: Hey, don't jump to conclusions!
I think there's more to Maruki's work to tell about.
Maruki: To be frank, I've been explicitly ordered to provide counseling to the students directly involved with Mr. Kamoshida. It's in the school's interest...for its students.
Ryuji: Ahhh, the school's interest, huh?
Must be Koba's doing to find out who one of the students' might be the Phantom Thieves. Really...? And hiring someone like him in the middle was wrong to do.
Keiko: We're fine now...So nothing bad happened to him with Ryuji and Yuuki didn't come to my rescue.
Maruki: I see. What a sickening man he was. I know that asking you guys to be open with a complete stranger like myself is a lot. Making this mandatory wouldn't do you any good, either. Might as well turn it into a worthwhile experience...Ooh, I know! If you attend my counseling sessions, I'll teach you different ways to improve your mental acuity. Like, ways to hone your concentration before exams, or not getting nervous on dates. How's that sound? And for you too, Amamiya-Kun?
Hmm...A fair deal for Keiko to get something off of her chest probably. And for the other two? Keiko might do it a bit.
Ann: Uh...
Keiko: (...Mental training...If I make good use of this, it will aid in our Phantom Thieves activities too...)
This might be a good idea for Keiko to have Maruki's skills to help them out, for it wouldn't hurt to try it out.
Maruki: There's also snacks...
Ryuji: Alright, alright, enough with the snacks! So, Keiko, which way are you leanin'?
Keiko: I say we should do it. I'll give it a try.
So now everyone was on broad for this.
Ryuji: *sigh* I guess it'd just be more trouble for us if we didn't go.
Ann: Hmmm, yeah.
Keiko: We're all in, Maruki Sir.
This made him very happy.
Maruki: Really? Then, I guess it's a deal. I'll be in the nurse's office-feel free to come by whenever it's convenient for you.
Ryuji: Welp, we should get goin'.
Maruki: Okay, I'll see you later.
With Ryuji and Ann getting back to class first, Keiko bows to Maruki to see him later on.
Keiko: I'll come by when I come today and some other days.
Maruki: That's fine with me, Amamiya-Kun. And thanks again for taking my counseling into consideration. Now that we have a deal, I promise I'll do my best to help you. No more sick teachers like Kamoshida hurting you anymore, I'll make sure of it.
Keiko: It's not trouble at all. (I've made a deal with Maruki.)
Oh, you all know what this means, right...? Another slot opens up for this guy to be helpful for Keiko and the others to come in handy as an Arcana Confidant.
—-
Tayla: Going back to the present time for Keiko to try remembering Maruki and what he does for a living, to be very useful on his therapy skills to come in handy. More so to do some good effects in the Metaverse and Mementos soon enough. Who would've thought.
Sae: It's hard to believe an ordinary high school student could accomplish such grandiose heists. One would need a heart to steel, unaffected by outside influences and prepared to act without hesitating. There has to be someone who helps strengthen your mental state. Sound like somebody you know, Keiko? Give me a name!
A new Confidant has been made for Keiko to have to rank up to one for now, as Maruki's Arcana and Confidant goes up to the first level 1.
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 Councilor Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power...
Tayla: Councilor Arcana #9 - Takuto Maruki
Like the Aeon Arcana, the Consultant is not found in standard tarot decks. The Consultant Arcana is the El Gran Tarot Esoterico's equivalent to the Magician Arcana and is numbered I. While upright, it is a tarot card that denotes diplomacy, possibilities of choice, creativity, skills to persuade, vitality and power over mental illness. On the other hand it can represent indecisiveness, insecurity, lack of originality, sickness or exploitation of the innocent while reversed.
All good talk for Ryuji calls out to Keiko to get back to class right away.
Ryuji: What's the holdup, babe?
Keiko: I'm coming!
Time to get back to work and Maruki to settle in.
Maruki: Sorry for keeping you like this, Amamiya-Kun. Well then...
Keiko: It's fine, Maruki Sir. Bye.
Now leaving, it's going to be fine in school now besides some rumors to die down and for Suguru was gone for good and arrested. Besides Keiko, Ryuji, and Ann to be talking to Maruki today and some other times, so will other students like Yuuki, Kiwa, and Kasumi to be one of those students...Not a bad way to solve people's problems with some help, right? A lesson too for Shiho's very lucky to be alive and well to not have something like it never happen again. A bit of school time next and a lot more next time.