Persona 5 Royal: tmdrago Special Edition
By Tayla Drago
Episode #28 - A Painting's Worth a Thousand Words
As lunchtime passes and the afternoon days in school, Takuto Maruki joins as the school's therapist to aid on other students, same with Keiko and the others. Why? It might be useful for the team to use in the Metaverse and Mementos to build up on things. A clumsy guy likes to listen to reasons for others to feel better. What a strange but good person he was. With Kawa saying something for Keiko, Ann, Yuuki, and Morgana to hear about, Maruki was willing to see anyone after school was over.
Kawa: He's around until November from what I've heard, so be sure for any student to see Dr. Maruki to please do so.
Soon to get a text message for Keiko, Ryuji, and Ann to talk about something during class time again.
[Ryuji: Yo, you guys gonna go for it?]
[Ann: What, the counseling? It kinda sounds like we're being forced to.]
[Ryuji: I told Maruki I'd do it, but...I dunno if I'm really that into the idea, you know?]
[Keiko: Come on, Ryuji, let's do it.]
[Ann: Yeah. Probably better not to draw more attention to ourselves anyway. I think I'm gonna try going today.]
Sounds promising for Ann and Keiko want to give it a try, maybe Ryuji will too later on.
Morgana: Counseling, eh?
Keiko: A man named Maruki wanted to help the students with their problems after what Kamoshida did, I think it'll be a good thing.
Morgana: I see...Lady Ann's right. Make sure you visit him so you don't draw any attention to yourself, Madame Keiko, okay?
Keiko: Sure thing, Morgana. We'll do that and hopefully Ryuji will too when he has the chance.
Morgana: He'll change his mind somehow.
Ha! What he just said. I guess school was over hours later for Maruki was all set in the nurse's office to hear someone come in for the first counseling to be done by knocking on the door once Maruki got down to reading on something. Now it was time to get to work for him.
Maruki: Yes?
Ann was the first one to see him and to see how Maruki does his job besides being a clumsy person on other things.
Ann: Ummm...
Maruki: Welcome. Are you here for a counseling session?
Ann: Yeah, is now a bad time?
For her to be a bit nervous about this whole thing, but this was Maruki's job.
Maruki: Not at all! It's always a good time, so long as I'm not already listening to a student. I'm so glad you're here. Would you care for a snack?
What was he, a child? Well, Ann ate a little something with some tea, it was all set. For Ann to sit down and Maruki to listen to her reason to write down on paper.
Maruki: Shall we get started? Oh-but first, just relax, all right? I'm only here to listen to whatever you wish to talk about.
Ann: Sure. Although I really only have one thing on my mind right now, anyway...
Maruki: Yes, I'd say that makes perfect sense. But don't force yourself into talking with me. You could even just grab some snacks and be on your way, if you wanted! Haha...
Not too much for them, to say the least.
Ann: No, it's...it's all right. I know I need to talk to someone about this, anyway. This is, if you're willing to listen to the super-long story...
Maruki: I absolutely am. Take all the time you need.
Ann: OK...
She tells Maruki on what the problem was to be from the Suguru event and such to bring Ann down and almost losing Shiho, besides other things on her mind as well.
Maruki: ...I see. That's such a horrible thing to do to someone.
Ann: Yes. That's why I wanted to get even with him...For Shiho. And almost did the same with Keiko too.
Maruki: Mmhm...And?
Ann: ...At first, I thought Kamoshida oughta to face the same fate Shiho was going to put herself through...But...
The rest we all know but this guy wouldn't get it at all.
Maruki: But?
Ann: ...Later, I realized that wasn't right. If he did take his own life, it wouldn't undo Shiho's suffering-in fact, it'd just give him the easy way out.
True, but he was arrested in the end from having his heart changed.
Maruki: Is that so? You know, you are quite the wise, level-headed young woman, Takamaki-san.
Ann: Huh? Uh, I think you've got the wrong...
He understood it all from Ann's issues.
Maruki: Nope-in fact, I think you're wiser than I was at your age. I wasn't anywhere near as mature as you are now.
Ann: ...It's not like I did anything special, though. If I hadn't gone through my own share of hell, I don't think I'd be so mature either.
Maruki: I see...So, what's on your mind now?
Yep, something else was on Ann's mind to feel a bit nervous of Shiho's recovery next.
Ann: Right now? Hmmm...I'm just hoping Shiho will get better quickly. We both suffered a lot, but...I just wanna get back to laughing and having fun together like we used to. At this point, I don't give a rat's ass about Kamoshida!
This has the doctor smiling.
Maruki: Now there's a healthy outlook! You can't change the past, but you still want to keep your chin up and press onward-is that the gist of it?
Ann: Yeah, that sounds about right.
She was smiling now to feel much better.
Maruki: *chuckle* I definitely agree with you there. But it's impossible to wipe every tragedy from history.
Ann: If only, right? Everyone would be so much happier if we could actually do that.
Hearing the bell ring all over the school building, it seems Ann's talk was done for today.
Maruki: ...Oh, it seems I lost track of time. We should wrap things up here for today-thank you so much for coming to see me.
Ann: Oh no, thank you! I feel a ton better now that that's all off my chest.
Maruki: Hah, good to hear it-you deserve it. Feel free to stop by again anytime.
Ann: Will do! See you around!
Seems like Ann felt better after talking to Maruki on her problems, huh? He was good then. Cool! As Keiko was waiting around to leave Shujin in a bit with Morgana, she and him read the group text for them to hear about Ann's talk with Maruki just now.
[Ann: Well, I went in for counseling. You're going soon too, right, Keiko?]
[Keiko: I will, Ann. So, how did it go on your end?]
[Ann: Hmmm...Well, it honestly wasn't as rough as I was expecting. I think you should just go and give it a shot. Dr. Maruki's easier to talk to than you'd think. Okay, Keiko, see you tomorrow.]
Sounds promising there to do.
Morgana: You can go there now, Madame Keiko. I'll meet with you outside of the school building when you're done.
And off Keiko goes to talk to Maruki as he was about done talking to Kiwa and then Kasumi to feel a bit better, more with her as Kiwa was seeing Kasumi to look all shy again.
Kasumi: I hope to see you later then, Kiwa.
Kiwa: Ah, yeah...see you later.
For Kiwa to leave first to run into Keiko again for her to arrive...
Keiko: Hi, Kiwa, right? Nice seeing you again.
Kiwa: Same, Ms. Amamiya. Nice seeing you. Excuse me.
Someone was in a hurry because Kiwa was really hard to be around Kasumi to really like her more than just a friend at school, then Keiko sees Kasumi about finishing with Maruki too and tells him about her problems privately.
Keiko: (He looked all blushing around Kasumi there.) Oh! Hi there.
Bumping into each other again for the third time, huh?
Kasumi: Ah, hello. Are you here for a session as well?
Keiko: Yep. And you too, Kasumi?
Kasumi: Yes, that's right. Dr. Maruki is a wonderful counselor. I've actually been seeing him for a while, before he ever came to Shujin.
Oh, so Kasumi already knows Maruki way before she and him came to school.
Maruki: Oh? I didn't know you two were acquainted. Don't go too hard though, Yoshizawa-san-I'm really nothing special.
Keiko: So you two already met outside of school, how odd.
It just happened by luck for these two.
Kasumi: Well, I need to get going. Please excuse me. Bye, Teacher.
Keiko: Teacher?
Still calling Keiko by 'Teacher' for Kasumi to say to her, huh? Leaving, it was Keiko's turn to talk to Maruki next.
Maruki: What say we get started?
Keiko: I'm ready, Maruki sir.
For Kiwa to be seeing Kasumi looking happy, Keiko sees a little for him to have feelings for her and a whole lot more before turning around.
Kiwa: (I have to get to know Yoshizawa-san. I miss her.)
What does he mean there...? Any who- going inside the nurse's office, Keiko makes herself at home to talk to Maruki on some problems to solve for today's sessions.
Maruki: Welcome, Amamiya-Kun! Thank you for coming.
Keiko: Well, we did make a deal...Sorry, I'm still a little nervous.
Happens all the time for the first time like this.
Maruki: Ahaha, well...I'll try to make sure it's worth the trouble.
Keiko: Okay then, I'll start talking.
Taking her seat, Keiko tells Maruki about some of the things on her mind. A nice talk for him to understand how Keiko was feeling to drink some tea and have a little snack.
Maruki: I see...Mm, thank you. I think I've gotten a good grasp of the situation you're in, Amamiya-Kun. Well, full disclosure...The school gave a brief rundown of the circumstances surrounding your transfer here.
Keiko: But it's in the past to try to get through this.
A lot for her to go through in one year, but Keiko dealt through other things to not let this stop her one bit.
Maruki: Did you have to force yourself to accept everything that happened...? No, that doesn't seem to be it...Now that you've told me more about yourself, I think I've realized something. It seems like you've largely been able to reconcile your internal world with your external one. I should note-that's really, truly impressive. Even most adults can't reliably manage that.
Keiko: Ah...I'm sorry, but what do you mean?
She did tell him about her arrest, on something she didn't do, almost getting raped by Suguru, having Ryuji and Yuuki fall for her, and having friends along with a boyfriend to get on with Keiko's new life.
Maruki: How to put it-You know how everyone has an internal reality? Some conception of themselves they're striving for? Like wanting to be a model student, or wanting to be loved and relied on...That kind of thing. But that idealized reality and the one in actuality are often far apart. That gap is responsible for a lot of people's pain. Not everyone can ace their exams. And not everyone can be the heroes they wish they could be. You've already been through so much. That kind of suffering is usually enough to twist people up into dark places. But you, Amamiya-Kun, you're standing up to it, and confronting a tough, painful reality. To me that's incredibly admirable...Then again, maybe that's a little weird for you to hear from a guy you just met, huh?
Not really since this was part of Maruki's job.
Keiko: But it sounds right coming from you. I'm doing fine now to have new friends and a boyfriend who all care about who I really am.
Maruki: Not even any deflecting self-deprecation! You really are strong, Amamiya-Kun. A strong woman.
Keiko: Ah, thank you...?
This has Maruki acting clumsy again to try explaining something else to Keiko next.
Maruki: Wait, wait! I'm not one of those teachers, I swear. I want to be a friend, like...a sister I never had. That's all! Don't get the wrong idea. I only love one woman in my life.
Keiko: Okay, Maruki Sir, I get it. (He didn't have to be too formal about it with me, I can sense it out.) You're a good person.
There, the problem was solved.
Maruki: Oh, good...! I'm glad that's out of the way. Well, let's see...Sorry, this went on longer than I expected. Somehow, the conversation just took on a life of its own, I guess...Hey, I've actually got one last request. Do you mind?
Keiko: Huh?
Maruki: Two things really? One, do you love your new boyfriend?
Keiko: ...Very much.
Someone was blushing a lot for Keiko to be thinking about Akechi.
Maruki: Good, remember to keep your love alive. Always. Now, I'm actually doing certain research along with my duties as a counselor. It's not quite like counseling-more like a type of psychological treatment...Basically, it's a project to learn more about people's metaphorical hearts. What they think, how they feel. If I get far enough with it, I think it'll be able to help a lot of people! So...?
A lot to talk about here.
Keiko: So...What?
Maruki: Oh, sorry again!
Keiko: It's okay, Maruki Sir. Please calm down.
Another freak out over nothing again with this man.
Maruki: Uh, I guess my point is...I'd like to ask you to help with that research! All you'd have to do is listen to my theories, and then tell me if they spark any ideas or realizations on your end. Please! Any time's good for me-I can work around your schedule. And, uh...I've got a lot of snacks, too! You can have them! They're yours!
Keiko: Well, okay. But some, I don't like eating a lot.
Another deal for them to do and for Maruki's very happy for Keiko to lend this man a hand, like an older brother to her.
Maruki: Really?! YES! You're a lifesaver, Amamiya-Kun! And yes, please watch how much you eat.
Keiko: As I always do.
Maruki: Now let's see...I know! Maybe I could teach you some tips for mental training? I happen to know a lot about the subject. I'm sure I can cook up a special regiment for you. If you're dedicated enough, I'm sure you could draw out your full potential! Okay! I guess that's our second deal.
They shake on it to get to know each other a lot more.
Keiko: Will do then. (I feel like my bond with Maruki is growing deeper...)
Seems like Maruki's Arcana and Confidant goes up to level 2 now. And Keiko to get to know this guy more and more. Two in one day, huh? Lucky for her.
Maruki: ...Oh, right! Would it be okay if we traded contact information on the help and research only? I'll contact you if anything comes up later on.
Doing so, they have numbers and text messages for them to keep in contact at any time.
Keiko: There you go.
Maruki: ...That should do it! Now! I'd better do my part to repay you, Amamiya-Kun. Let's talk about mental training and presence. Let's see, first off...
Talking a bit more, to finally end a few more minutes later, Keiko has learned a lot from Maruki for today until the next time they meet again.
Keiko: (Thanks to Maruki's mental training, my mind feels stronger..)
One good thing to have and to use for later on and for a little treat for Maruki to give to Keiko for free. He sure loves giving people snacks.
Maruki: Oh, and here. Never a bad time for a snack, right?
Keiko: Thank you again.
Maruki: And thank you for your help today. I'll see you around at school.
Heading back home for Keiko takes the train back to Yongen-Jaya of Cafe Leblanc for Morgana to see how much time she had to talk with Maruki to do his job so well.
Morgana: A long talk with Maruki took so long to get back. Look at the time, Madame Keiko, it's already late.
Keiko: My bad...
Morgana: But I guess the more you can learn from his therapy skills, the better it'll be useful both in the Metaverse and Mementos for us. Look, just get some sleep to finish the little half of your exams please.
For Keiko to eat, brush her teeth, shower, and then get dressed to head to bed next and so does Morgana too.
Keiko: Right, Morgana. I'm tired anyways. So good night.
But before going to sleep a little bit early for them to do, there was one thing on Morgana's mind.
Morgana: Wait. Before bed, can we ready one chapter of the Blood of Oath book little at a time? Please? The little we read, the more things it might have for the both of us.
Keiko: Oh, maybe…OK, but one chapter at a time.
Reading it of the book known as the Blood of Oath says these things…
Tayla: Blood of Oath - Chapter #1 -
Once having a great life with me and my family growing up in the United States, as well as I was half Japanese too. With my family working at the library to make children feel happy, I wanted to do the same thing when I grew up. Only...I want to become an author to make children's books. Yes there's a lot of work to do during my school years, but I want to learn more. From drawing, practicing a lot, writing things, and showing it to my closest friends and family to find some other ideas later on. Sure, it's not easy to make it to keep on trying so much from it. That is, until that day came when a war started to happen for my family and me were taken away.
Now sleeping to do one little thing from school to finally be over with.
That is a to be continue on those for now. But for Morgana to sense something about the book itself, while Keiko sense a little of something. Huh…?
Morgana: Weird…
Keiko: (I felt something alright.) Morgana?
Morgana: Hmm…Nothing yet, but I bet you felt it too, Madame Keiko. Am I right?
Keiko: Just a little…Maybe the more we read when the time is right, we can more answers? I don't know, but if it has something to do with your past, Morgana, then we can't just give up.
Morgana: There's no use backing down now. Alright, use the bookmark on this page, we'll continue the rest when we can. Now we can go to keep.
Doing so, another day from whenever to get back to the story.
Keiko: Good night, Morgana.
Morgana: Good night, Madame Keiko.
Could the Blood of Oath Book might have something to say from this author's background story? Or something far more…? Even so, what does it have to do with Morgana's memories? I guess we'll known more little at a time later on.
Year 20xx
Day #36 – May 5/14th – Saturday
Well, they've survived and they've done it all for three days of exam taking for Keiko, Morgana, Ann, and Ryuji to meet up and talk about it at the train station in order for all of them to get to school together, it was hard to get through this week almost, but in the end they've all done it.
Keiko: Well, I sure did well on my exams. And you, Ryuji?
A bit tired, but he'll live.
Ryuji: *yawn* I'm so sleepy! I managed to study well from the exams the day before the three big days, and I'm so happy to be alive and it's all over...For now!
Morgana: Ryuji studying?! That's new! I'm surprised.
Hard for someone like Ryuji to try to do but he did it anyway.
Ryuji: Shut it, cat...! Look, Keiko, it was hard for me at first. I tried, almost gave up, played some games, tried to clear my mind, did it again, and I remember some of them to get right back on paper.
Keiko: Then you did some good on it. I'm sure you'll pass with flying colors.
Ryuji: Hey, Keiko, maybe we can be studying partners at my place if we were to take another one together...! Ouch!
Morgana uses his claws again to keep Ryuji's hands away from Keiko's waist to not touch at all.
Morgana: She's dating someone already, you pervert!
Ryuji: Fine...! How about a group studying the next time we take on?!
Keiko: If it happens again, then let's try that. You, me, Ann...And you too, Morgana, to test us.
Sounds like a plan when and if another one happens again in the future.
Morgana: I would be more than happy to lend a hand, Madame Keiko. Anything to keep you safe and Lady Ann from Ryuji's perverted ways.
Ryuji: Shaddup!
And then Ann joins them to feel a bit tired, and knowing her to do the trust well to pass just like Keiko did. Even for Ryuji to get a good score to pass like they did. For this part of Ann's mind was far more than what she talked about with Takuto yesterday, far from it.
Ann: *yawn* Morning, you guys...
Keiko: Hi, Ann, are you feeling well?
Ann: I've been through worse to remember what I've learned, but I'll be fine.
Seems like it, Ann was a brave one.
Morgana: Lady Ann...You never stop doing such amazing things to still be more wonderful to me...Compare of you and Madame Keiko to be fine from your exams and for the last one today, unlike a certain dumb pig I know of.
Ryuji: I'm not a pig!
Not a good way to get into a fight like this.
Ann: Knock it off! Both of you! …..?!
Ann and Keiko pull the boys away from one another.
Keiko: What can we say, Ann? Boys will always be boys.
A good moment to know, their teenagers still make the best out of it. Soon, Ann looks around the train station for her to see someone to have a very strange feeling.
Ann: Am I imagining things...?
Ryuji and Morgana stop fighting with each other so Keiko needed to know if Ann was feeling well.
Keiko: Ann? What's wrong...?
She soon felt someone was nearby from her eye to sense an odd feeling around her type of thing again.
Keiko: (This feeling I'm getting again who's stalking Ann!) Is it him?
Ann: I don't know...
Ryuji: Is someone tryin' to grope you?
Ann: No! It's...It might be a peeping tom...I don't know.
It was hard to say, but it looks like Ryuji and Keiko have to stay by Ann's side from the pervert trying to follow their friend.
Morgana: Just stay by Lady Ann's side and get on the next train. We'll try to lose him there. If not...Madame Keiko. Ryuji. You two know what to do.
They will do their best.
Ann: But I can still fight.
For them to get on a train to leave for their next stop 'try' to hang out for Keiko and Ryuji 'with Morgana on guard' to keep Ann safe from any danger. For this person keeps on following them from behind to get out of the underground train station and up the surface part of the town next.
Keiko: Ann? (He's still following us...)
Ann: Oh my god, that guy got off. Isn't this bad?
For Ann to ask Keiko and for her to look at Ryuji, all he did was yawn.
Ryuji: *yawn*
Ann: Hey! At least act like you care!
Ryuji: Fine...Come on.
He goes up first for the others to follow him.
Ann: Huh...?
Looks like Ryuji has a plan for the others to go along with it. For Ann to be standing around waiting for the stalker, he shows up to climb upstairs to find her. For he walks up to Ann to catch her by surprise...Only for Keiko and Ryuji to lead him to a trap for it...was a teenage boy who was the same age as they all are. But who was he? And what does he want with Ann?
?: …?
Keiko: Hello, sir. I see you like stalking girls like Ann, huh? I don't like perverted men! (This is a guy, about the same age as the rest of us are.) Shame on you! I would hate to be in the same boat as my friend is!
For Keiko to stand up for Ann to catch the boy by surprise to stop Keiko's strong will. And then...she and Ryuji looked at each other for the stalker on what he really looks like.
Ryuji: Hey, uh...are you sure it's him, Ann? Or are you just that self-conscious?
He sure made Ann mad.
Ann: Rgh, I'm not that-
Then the boy speaks.
?: Is there something you want?
Okay...? What a weird response for Ann getting mad to talk to the boy next.
Ann: That's my line! You were the one stalking me!
But, they all got the whole thing wrong.
?: Stalking you...? That's outrageous.
Ann: I know you've been following me! Ever since the train!
?: That's because...
Before the boy could say anything, someone he knows comes driving by and honking the horn to be very popular in his limousine type of car.
Keiko: (Who's he?)
?: My goodness...I wonder why you left the car. So this is where your passion leads. All's well that ends well. Hahahaha...
The man just laughs to know of this teen boy's work to be proud of him in some way. So, what was going on...? For the man to wait for this boy to come back, he explains to the three 'and Morgana to overhear' on who and what he was to be seeing Anna a lot with a good reason why he wanted to see Ann in person.
Morgana: (Who is this guy?)
?: I saw you from the car...and I couldn't help myself from chasing after you. I didn't even notice the calls from Sensei...But thank goodness, I caught up to you.
Weird, huh...? This leaves everyone else very confused.
Ann: Okay...
Ryuji: What?
Keiko: Come again?
?: You're the woman I've been searching for all this time! Please, won't you-
You got the wrong idea, dude! Plus Ann and Ryuji are slowly becoming a couple!
Ann: W-Wait a minute, I-
The boy finishes what he's trying to ask Ann to do something for him.
?: -Be the model for my next art piece?!
Oh, so that's what he wanted to have Ann do for this boy and to help him out with it. She was modeling to be one of them. For she, Morgana, Ryuji, and Keiko didn't see this one coming at all.
Ann: ...Model?
Keiko: Her a model...? (Judging by this strange man, he must be the boy's teacher...They're artists!)
Well, Keiko got those few parts right.
?: All that I've drawn till now has been lacking, but I feel a passion from you unlike anyone else.
This makes Morgana get really jealous to keep Ann safe.
Morgana: This man's highly suspicious!
Ryuji: Ain't this a recruit for some shady business?
This was so much to give in to...
?: Will you cooperate with me? What do you say?
Keiko: Excuse me, sir! Don't rush a lady when we're thinking, it's so rude!
From Keiko staring at the boy to soon feeling like he was blushing all over.
?: Sorry, I didn't mean to straddle.
But Ryuji was a bit too jealous to step in.
Ryuji: Hold your horses! Who're you anyways?
?: Oh, where are my matters? I'm a second-year at Kosei High's finest-arts division. My name is Yusuke Kitagawa.
So his name is Yusuke Kitagawa and he is a high school artist type of student.
Keiko: Kosei High...?
He then shoves Ryuji aside to get a better close up at both Keiko and Ann.
Ryuji: Wow! Watch it...Well, I'm Ryuji Sakamoto...Like you even care.
Yusuke: I'm Madarame-sensei's pupil, and I am being allowed residence at his place. I'm starving to become an artist.
And the man in the car is Yusuke's teacher Madarame himself. So, the name is told to see him in person.
Keiko: (Madarame...? Why does that name sound so familiar...? And this Yusuke guy really wants to draw Ann, since she's trying to become a model herself.)
Yusuke: I'm sorry, but who are you two lovely ladies?
This leaves Keiko to introduce herself and Ann for Yusuke to answer back.
Keiko: I'm Keiko Amamiya, and this is my friend whose model name is Ann Takamaki. (I don't feel anything bad coming from Yusuke, but something from it to be from another person locked up deep inside of this man for some strange reason.)
Yusuke: Keiko...what a lovely name.
Kissing Keiko's hand to make Ryuji to not like him already to be jealous over nothing again, and Morgana feels weird around this person.
Ryuji: Oh, hell no!
Keiko: (Ah! Another one?!)
And Yusuke does the same thing next with Ann's hand kissing it. He seems to be a real class gentleman to the ladies the most to show some matters.
Yusuke: And to you too, Ann, it's very nice to meet you and your fine beauty.
Ann: Huh?! What do you THAT Madarame? The one who was on "Good Morning Japan" the other day?
So, this Madarame artist is very famous for Ann to know who he is.
Yusuke: The very same.
From that – Ryuji and Keiko had to ask Ann who Madarame was...
Ryuji: You know who that is?
Keiko: You seem to have heard about Madarame...Who is he?
It would seem that Ann might know something about the man to hear the news a lot and see his fine works of art. Not only that, but their target from Mementos said Madarame's name to them.
Ann: He was introduced as a super-famous Japanese-style artist who's been recognized all over the world. But we heard that name the other day in Mementos...
They did, for the other three to remember it well. Just then, Madarame tells Yusuke to go somewhere.
Madarame: Yusuke!
Yusuke: I'm sorry, Sensei! I'll be right there!
Now they know what Madarame looks like and for Keiko to remember hearing his name from somewhere before.
Keiko: So that's him...? (Yes, now I know! Our target in Mementos mentioned his name a lot...)
Ryuji: That old guy's Madarame...?
For Yusuke to be leaving in a bit, he tells Ann about his teacher's work for the others to listen in.
Yusuke: Madarame-sensei's exhibition will begin at the department store near the station tomorrow. I'll be there to help out on opening day. Please come by. It'll be great if you could give me your answer in regard to being a model then...I bet you have no interest in the fine arts, but I'll give you tickets too. Ms. Keiko, I hope you don't mind if I call you by that lovely address...You're also welcome to join too with your friend.
Keiko: Oh, thank you. I do like seeing fine arts from others. (That was nice of him.)
He calls Keiko by "Ms. Keiko".
Yusuke: Well then, Ann...I hope to see you there the most tomorrow!
And off she goes with Madarame to get back to their place since Yusuke enjoys painting a lot. For the four to see their stalker was an artist to like from Ann's looks to model her will be...Well, weird or just creepy.
Ryuji: That guy's as easy to read as a book...
Keiko: It can be easily seen from his entire face.
Ryuji: Hey Ann, you're not plannin' on goin', aren't you?
Surprisingly, Ann says yes instead of a no to the others' surprise to hear it.
Ann: ...I think I will.
Keiko: Really?! I hope you're sure about this, Ann.
She then looks at the time from her cell phone to have Ann look worried about something important.
Ann: Crap! Look at the time! I'll see you guys later!
Going so soon to school right away this early...? Hm...For Ryuji and Keiko were both confused, and Morgana was mad at Yusuke for making his moves on Ann.
Morgana: How dare he go after Lady Ann...I've memorized that face of yours, Yusuke! And Madame Keiko's already taken!
Ryuji: And coming near Keiko...! Who the hell does he think he is!?
Yeah, this might be hard to say what's what and for Morgana to get jealous over nothing was...a bit too much.
—-
Tayla: As we cut back to the present time again for Sae to hear the next part from Keiko's mouth to see Madarame and his student Yusuke was only the beginning from their target mentioned the artist's name. From Keiko saying about hearing the man's name in Mementos for Sae to still have trouble believing in it a little, she does understand about how a person's heart can change from the problems of the psychotic breakdowns to mental shutdowns of the train events. All of this to hear from Madarame to be famous to turn to something he did to be illegal and a big crime to hear more about it, all of it…..
Sae: You became acquainted with Madarame's pupil by chance? That's a little too convenient. It makes me wonder if you're even telling the truth. But so be it. What I want to know most is your method. It's true that Madarame was an unforgivable criminal worthy of the scorn thrown at him. He was an adult who cultivated his own fame and fortune by sacrificing the livelihood of children…But how did you discover such horrible deeds that were hidden all these years in such a short time?
Keiko: In the Metaverse.
For Sae could tell that Keiko hasn't been lying to her one bit. Trying to remember and saving her friends, yes. But never to turn any of her friends to betraying them one bit.
Sae: This "Metaverse" business again? …Fine. Let's suppose that people's hearts can be changed by stealing their Treasure, like you've said, Keiko. If so, a different suspicion arises. People have gone mad or lost consciousness, never to recover…like the subway accident in April. Depending on how you look at it, that could be taken as a phenomenon for a sudden change of heart too...Were you related to those as well?
Trying to remember the rest, the best Keiko could answer for Sae.
Keiko: ...
Hard to say for right now.
Sae: ...I see. Tch...Fine. Continue telling me about Madarame's case. Keep it concise and only of the truth.
—-
Now back to the past...Good way to finish off today at school and the exams too.
Morgana: And you're done, Madame Keiko. I think you've done well to earn a good score later.
Anyways...Ryuji, Ann, Keiko, and Morgana were enjoying their walk around town and finally finishing up the last day of exams – to then start talking about what they have to do next from finding the bully and more targets like him as well for more requests to be done.
Keiko: Well, our first part is done...I think we're getting somewhere.
Ryuji: That was, Keiko.
He checks up on the Phan-Site again.
Ann: What are you looking for, Ryuji?
He shows it to them.
Ryuji: The usual. And...we got no good posts yet, but we'll keep on checking.
Morgana: We better find our next target and soon, OK?!
Ann: We'll get somewhere, Morgana, there's no need to worry about it. So...Maybe we should eat somewhere to celebrate taking our exams well and doing great as Phantom Thieves?
For the money they still have on each of them, why not?
Ryuji: I wanna get eel or suichi!
Ann: We don't have that much...! Oh, wait. The tickets to the art place is tomorrow...
Morgana was having a bad feeling about all of this.
Morgana: Don't tell me...! It was love at first sight with Yusuke, wasn't it?
Not going to happen...
Keiko: I think you're getting the wrong idea, Morgana.
Ann: It's not like that...
Morgana: O-Of course not!
Good to know for Morgana's sake to be silly to think like that.
Ann: When I was watching something special on TV, I liked Madarame's work to see more up close. Plus, we've got free tickets. And it might be related to what our target told us his name from the Mementos.
Yes, it's true that both Ann and Keiko remember it very well.
Keiko: Yes, I do feel something a bit off from the artist himself...
Ryuji: ...Madarame, was it?
Morgana: I'm curious about the name too...
Seems like all four of them were.
Ann: Look, I can go and two more will allow you, Keiko, and you too, Ryuji to come with me. Come on...What do you two say?
Ryuji: Fine arts, huh...?
Both Morgana and Ryuji were both way too jealous of Yusuke.
Morgana: I suggest we should all go together! For you two ladies to keep safe, and enjoying the fine art works is fine, for us thieves of specialists that is.
Ryuji: Well, if everyone's going, even Keiko...
Keiko: I want to see some art work too.
Looks like it was all set to go to the art museum.
Ann: Then it settled!
Keiko: I'm looking forward to it with all you guys.
Ann: Let's meet near the entrance tomorrow. This is going to be fun!
Keiko, Ryuji, and Morgana: OK!
And they will for Ann to set for tomorrow where to meet up – they all go back home, and for Keiko and Morgana back at Cafe Leblanc. Morgana still wanted to make sure Ann and Keiko are careful from Yusuke's passion for modeling art for women, even Ryuji shouldn't beat him up either.
Morgana: Tomorrow we go to that exhibit with Lady Ann. I'm curious to know if this Madarame has anything to do with the name we heard in Mementos…Whatever the case may be, we can't be late. Better get to bed early!
From seeing the art works of Madarame up close and such for Ann to model for Yusuke 'or not', what was going to happen next? Even the people on TV were excited too.
[Newscaster: Next up, entertainment. An exhibition featuring Japanese artist Ichiryusai Madarame opens tomorrow in Shibuya. Anticipation for the exhibition is high, with specials broadcast on TV and great ticket sales.]
Seeing his face and name to get Morgana and Keiko's attention.
Keiko: Morgana, look! That man in the car with Yusuke is Madarame!
Morgana: You're right, Madame Keiko! It's that old guy! I didn't think he would actually be famous..."Ichiryusai Madarame: An Infinite Font of Ideas," huh…? I read the blurb on the ticket, but it seems that this Madarame is actually an amazing artist…Some of his pieces might be worth looking at, after all...
First thing, Keiko text messages her friends Ryuji and Ann on her cell phone.
[Ann: So I keep thinking about what Nakanohara said...Could he have been talking about the famous artist Madarame?]
[Keiko: Nice catch, Ann. So it sounds about right.]
[Ryuji: Seconded.]
[Ann: Great, The name really stood out to me...]
[Ryuji: Yeah I mean, you guys ever heard of someone else called Madarame?]
[Ann: It's really not common at all. If what we heard is true, Kitagawa-Kun is studying under a corrupt teacher.]
[Ryuji: You mean a teacher who treats people like tools.]
[Ann: Kitagawa-Kun's life is probably pretty terrible...]
[Ryuji: We gotta look into this.]
An investigation must be done...As the cafe was about to close up soon, Keiko goes downstairs to help Sojiro out on something.
Sojiro: Keiko, show me how you can brew coffee after what we talk about.
Keiko: Okay, Mr. Sakura.
Time to brew some coffee as Keiko gives it her all, while Morgana watches on the chair. From the grinding, hot water, and pouring it to smell just about right.
Morgana: Mmm! I love the smell of good coffee!
Then Keiko sits down to give it a taste test, with complete success.
Keiko: Yes! I did it!
Morgana: The way you're drinking it makes it look delicious. Heh heh...Looks like the chief's gentlemanly charm is rubbing off on you, Madame Keiko.
As soon as Sojiro comes back real quick from his smoke break from outside to see how Keiko's coffee making skills went down.
Sojiro: Looks like you're at it again...How's it going? Here, I'll have a sip.
Keiko: I think I did okay.
Giving it a try, he seems to like it for Keiko's first brewing coffee.
Sojiro: This acidity...This must be Guatemalan SHB...
Keiko: Wow! You can tell just by drinking it? (Amazing…Mr. Sakura, you're good at knowing all about coffee.)
Sorry, it's not good explaining coffee details a lot for you guys to look it up if you want to.
Sojiro: I'm good with these things...The flavor profile is bland. You should practice more to bring out the roast's full potential. Although, I see you're preparing the cup the way I taught you. I'll acknowledge your hard work. You still have a lot to learn, in coffee and in life. Be patient, Keiko.
Keiko: I'll do my best then.
Sojiro: Good night, Keiko.
Leaving the cafe for Sojiro to walk home and Keiko getting ready for bed to watch some things in the sink real quick on some lessons she has learned so far. Not bad...
Morgana: We should rest now; we have a big day tomorrow.
Keiko: OK. Good night, Morgana.
What luck, huh? I guess we'll soon find out next time besides Keiko learning more on making coffee by hand later on 'with some good advice given by Sojiro himself'. Also, I do love drawing for fun and seeing fine art works in museums. Or Anime fan art work. :)