The Aizen Squad members were swiftly dispatched by the righteous fury of the Phantom Thieves. The cameras were definitely an issue, but they were able to deal with the enemies quickly enough to where they wouldn't pose an issue. With the threatening squad members defeated, Erina approached the woman who was being attacked by them in the first place. "It's all right now. You're not hurt, are you?"
The woman shook her head. But after watching the Phantom Thieves work, she was definitely surprised at people who dared to stand up to the Aizen Squad. "W-Who are you?"
Yuki then stepped forward. "I'll explain more on the way. But we must hurry!"
The woman's eyes widened. "You're...Lady Yuki...!"
"Huh? You two know each other?" Mona asked.
Yuki wore an amused smile at Morgana's question. Or rather the circumstance they found themselves in. "In a strange twist of fate, this is the silk shop owner we were looking for."
"Wait, seriously?" Viper blinked.
"You must have your reasons for coming here..." The silk shop owner said. "Please, follow me!"
.
She swiftly led everyone to her silk shop. Along the way, Yuki explained to her the situation, but she felt a little guilty about it at the same time. The group funneled inside the building right after her. "All right, everyone - just this way, please."
"Please forgive me for asking so much of you." Yuki said. "As I said on the way here, we need you to prepare some clothes for us."
"My pleasure!" Although the owner didn't exactly have a face, her expression was still something that was akin to elation. "I'll take everyone's measurements! I'll start with the short gentleman over there." She gestured to Morgana.
"Who're you calling short?!" Morgana exclaimed, offended. "It's not like you all are any taller!"
"Also, calling him a gentleman is extremely generous." Mika added. Morgana hissed at her for that remark, but since he was about to be occupied, he couldn't make a comeback. As such, Mika wore an annoying smirk.
As this happened, Erina couldn't help but let out a small sigh. Noticing this, Haru approached. "Erina-chan, are you alright?"
"Oh, I'm fine." Erina replied, managing a half-hearted smile. "It's just...this town is in really bad shape, isn't it? With the Rebel Corp, we rebelled against Marie, because we'd had enough. So it made sense that there'd be some conflict. But it's different here. Despite following Yoshiki's orders, they're still being treated like..."
"Not to mention, if the people have been led to believe that this is right, it's even more tragic than if they were being oppressed." Makoto sighed. "I know Yusuke said it earlier, but this is still hard to watch."
"Do you think the citizens believe they're being treated the right way?" Sophia asked with a head tilt. "Even when they do what they're told, they still get cornered like we saw earlier. Surely they must believe that something is wrong there."
"It's hard to say." Yusuke admitted. He knew the feeling all too well. "But I do know one thing. If there is even the smallest spark of doubt within them, it is impossible that they are fully unaware."
"..." Toshiro said nothing. But those words stuck with him for a reason he couldn't entirely describe.
"Excuse me," The shop owner approached once again. She was done with Morgana's measurements. "Can I take your measurements now?"
"Oh sure." Erina nodded. "But before that, I do have a question for you."
"What is it?" The shop owner tilted her head.
"So, about what just happened and how people said it was 'only natural'..." Erina went on. "Have you ever thought it was the slightest bit-"
"My dear," the shop owner cut Erina off before she could finish. "I am just a humble shop owner. My only wish is to leave peacefully under Lord Yoshiki's protection."
"I-I see..." Erina should've expected as much.
"You need to work on your questioning." Zenkichi pointed out. If there was ever a time to get straight to the point, that was not it.
"I..." Erina began to sweat.
"However..." The shop owner continued, which did catch everyone's attention. "You never know where Lord Yoshiki's eyes may be. Please listen as I think aloud. A world without conflict is the best, of that, I'm certain. I would also like to believe in Lord Yoshiki. I'd like to, but...those who are taken away never return, and those left behind suffer more and more. I heard from Lady Yuki you intend to fight the Aizen Squad. If it's all true, then please, you must save them! Help us to see the truth for ourselves!"
With a request like that, how could the Phantom Thieves turn her down. "Leave it to us." Ren nodded firmly.
"We will fight to ensure the freedom of these people. So long as I can help it, I will not allow an innocent person to come to harm." Hifumi said, determined. "We shall win this fight, no matter what!"
"Yeah! We'll bring 'em all back, no matter what it takes!" Ryuji said, in sync with Hifumi as she dipped into Shogi Mode once again.
"Thank you for being honest with me." Erina smiled.
"The truth, huh?" Makoto had an idea. "Hey, Oracle. Ichinose-san. Can you come here for a minute?"
The two approached Makoto, curious about the plan she had in mind. "What's up?" Futaba asked.
"It's about those cameras around town..." Makoto began.
Already, Ichinose's eyes held a sinister glint. Finally, she had the chance to flex her skills and actually be useful. "I like where this is going already."
"I fear I've digressed too much. Allow me to get back to work." The shop owner said. "I'll start taking the rest of your measurements. This is a large group...I may not have enough for kimonos for the ladies here."
"Hifumi-chan doesn't really need one." Mika snickered. "She's already wearing a kimono!"
"This is the most scandalous kimono in Bakumatsu history!" Hifumi exclaimed, mildly embarrassed. Not at her own attire, but simply at the thought of the era and what people may think of it. "I do not think I can blend in properly with this...!"
"You just have to sell it!" Mika nodded.
"I...kind of agree with Mika." Ann said quietly. "We can make it work!"
"It shouldn't be that bad, Hifumi!" Sumire smiled, hands behind her back. "Your Kimono is just a little flashier, but in a group, it's not that bad!"
Hifumi did let out a small sigh. She had no choice but to concede. "In that case, you can use the rest for Sophia. I don't need it...I can just tuck my mask away and maybe tighten it up..."
"Really? Thank you, Hifumi!" Sophia rushed over to hug Hifumi. It was hard to fight against the sweetness of Sophia, so Hifumi would find a way to make this work.
It took some time, but everyone was fitted into new clothing. The boys, and Ann, were dressed as samurai, while the girls all donned kimonos. Upon seeing everyone dressed up, Ryuji understood the assignment. "Oooooh, I get it. So this is how we're going to infiltrate!"
"This attire is that of fierce warriors on the battlefield. Heh, not bad at all." Yusuke was rather pleased with his samurai attire.
"He seriously likes those clothes..." Ryuji slumped over.
"This is certainly a first for me." Akechi looked himself over. "...Also, that woman's measurements were very...thorough."
"She's good at her job." Ren crossed his arms.
"It's a good look for you guys!" Ann had her hands behind her back.
"Decided to join the samurai?" Zenkichi was surprised to see Ann donning the samurai attire.
"She was a little short on inventory, so I compromised." Ann answered. "I guess Fumi's kinda rubbed off on me too, I've always admired this look, but I wanted to try it even more now that we're here. I hope she likes it."
"You look very dignified, Lady Ann!" Morgana said. His disguise was a little...different than the others. He looked closer to one of the citizens than a samurai. "Also, is it just me, or am I the odd one out here?"
"Hm, I think it's cute. You look like a rice ball." Ann beamed. "...And now I'm hungry."
"That was almost a compliment. But I'll still take it." Morgana said to himself.
Yuki approached the samurai group, placing a hand on her chest. "We've finished dressing everyone. This way, please." She led them to where the others were.
"Wow, look at that." Yusuke couldn't help but smile at the picturesque scene before them.
"I'm a little uneasy about this...I don't look strange, do I?" Makoto looked back over her shoulder to Haru, who was helping with some final adjustments to her kimono.
"No, it looks great on you!" Haru smiled. "Oh, but the obi might be a little loose...there!"
Haru squeezed the obi a little harder than Makoto was prepared for. "Ack! Um, Haru...please be a bit more gentle?"
"So this is what it's like to be a geisha..." Erina was rather pleased with her appearance. She and Futaba were lifting their arms into the air. "Is this how you do that 'traditional ritual', Futaba?"
"Yep! Now just say, 'pleaaaaase stoop, millord!" Futaba snickered. "You too, Sumire!"
"I, um..." Sumire blushed awkwardly. Her kimono was red with a flowery pattern. But she decided to go along with it. "P-Please stop, milord...!"
"Please stoooop, Milord!" Erina's voice cracked a bit. She was definitely a little overzealous with it. "So, how was that?"
"What are you three doing." Mika shook her head. She had her hair tied up into a bun. "Actually, I don't think I wanna know. Hey, Marshmellow, how's the kimono?"
"It's great"! Sophia twirled around in her white kimono. She never had the opportunity to wear clothes other than her usual attire. So this was a refreshing new experience. That said, she didn't really know how to walk in a kimono, and she couldn't download that information, so she ended up stumbling a little. "Oh-!"
Luckily, Ichinose was there to stop her from falling. "Careful there, Sophia. Kimonos aren't easy to move around in if you're not used to it. I haven't worn a kimono in a long time..."
"You look great, Ichinose." Sophia smiled. "And thank you for the save. Hifumi makes moving around in one look so easy."
"Eheh..." Hifumi scratched her cheek. In order to appear less scandalous, she tightened the obi and did what she could to not have her shoulders exposed. She was the only one wearing a combat ready kimono, but she wasn't sure how much it would hold like this. "You're a samurai, Ann? You look nice."
Exactly what she wanted to hear. Ann puffed her chest out pridefully. "Don't you worry. I'll protect you with this sword!"
"You are all like flowers that brighten the festivities of any banquet." Yusuke said, already feeling inspiration strike. "But it can still be improved! I can further draw out your inner beauty if I-augh!? Mika and Ann gripped Yusuke's opposing shoulders, harshly.
"Yeah, no thanks. Hands off." Ann shook her head.
"I'm the hottest one here. Hifumi-chan is a close second, and there's nothing to improve." Mika hissed at Yusuke.
As this happened, Haru shuffled through the chaos to approach Akechi. "The samurai outfit suits you." She said, a bit shyly.
"...You look nice in the kimono." Akechi replied, clearing his throat, glancing away slightly. Haru blushed faintly from that, while Akechi felt those...strange feelings with her again.
Meanwhile, in the corner, Zenkichi, Ryuji, and Morgana were trying not to laugh. Yuki was applying some paint on Toshiro's face to aid in his disguise, but it looked silly considering what he was already wearing. "Yuki-san...isn't there something off about my disguise?"
"Pffft, N-No, not at all!" Ryuji spoke through his hand, failing to stifle his laugh. "You look good, Toshiro!"
"Yeah, you couldn't ask for a better petty thief...quite the talent you've got there." Morgana snickered.
"What 'talent'!? I'm still going to end up behind bars looking like this!" Toshiro objected.
"We usually don't try to arrest people based on appearance. But in your case, I'd definitely ask you a question or two." Zenkichi said with an amused smirk. Of course, this didn't make Toshiro feel any better.
"You don't like it? I'm sorry." Yuki spoke with an apologetic smile. "I really do think it suits you quite nicely."
Well, when she said that... "Oh, no, it's not that - I was just hoping for something a bit more natural." Toshiro backpedaled a bit, not wanting to upset Yuki too much.
"Natural? Oh, then perhaps if we covered your body in leaves..." Yuki suggested.
"Uhhhh. That's...That's not really what I meant..." Toshiro spoke with a sweat drop. Akechi, who said nothing this whole time, just sighed at the antics occurring all around him.
"It seems like Toshiro just can't win against Yuki-san, can he?" Ann giggled. "Speaking from experience, I can relate to that." It was hard to fight against Hifumi.
"Yeah. It's like that sometimes." Zenkichi nodded in agreement. Against Aoi, he often found himself in the exact same scenario.
"Oh, I get it! Are you all the type that lets the woman wear the breeches?" Erina smiled innocently, looking at Ann and Zenkichi.
"You mean pants." Makoto couldn't help her deadpanned expression. Erina was so close, yet so far.
The antics were over for now, and everyone was properly disguised. It was time to plot. "Now, about the plan." Toshiro began. "While all of you were preparing, Yuki-san and I discussed how to proceed. I'm going to explain the entire operation, so listen carefully."
"Yeah, we can't really just charge in like this. So, what are we gonna do?" Ryuji asked.
"I've got it all planned out. But first, hear me out." Toshiro began.
"Nothing good ever comes from those three words." Mika quickly got that in.
"I call it...Operation Double Pincer Attack: Mach II!" Toshiro said coolly.
"See!?" Mika said, feeling vindicated.
"This name's super lame too! But in a completely different way!" Morgana groaned.
"It's a bit wordy, but I like it." Hifumi nodded. Considering she also made strange names for her attacks and Shogi moves, she felt a kindred spirit in Toshiro.
"For this operation, we will split up into two teams." Toshiro explained. "The diversion team will pose as Aizen Squad members and use the front entrance. That'll be Hasegawa-san's group as the Aizen Squad, and Togo-kun's group as the geishas. It would be great if you could come up with an excuse for throwing a banquet. If that goes according to plan, then you can ask around for info about the facility."
"If I had to guess, there's likely going to be a control room somewhere in the building." Ichinose tapped her chin.
"And also a labor camp, if the rumors turn out to be true." Futaba added with a huff.
"So, we'll infiltrate the Aizen Squad and distract them while collecting intel, correct?" Yusuke asked.
"Yes," Toshiro nodded. "And the team sneaking through the back entrance will be composed of Morgana-kun, Sakura-kun, Ichinose-san, myself...and Yuki-san."
"You're bringing Yuki-san along with you?" Akechi crossed his arms and lifted a brow.
To that, Yuki nodded. "Yes. You're doing this for our sakes - I can't simply sit by and do nothing. I know all about this town, so I should be able to help, at least a little bit."
"I tried to stop her, but she wouldn't listen." Toshiro added. He did try to prevent this. "In any case, our infiltration team will find an opening to sneak into their base. Our team's objective is to rescue the citizens and disable the cameras."
"Once Ichinose and I get into that control room, we've got this in the bag!" As Futaba said this, she and Ichinose shared devious grins.
"Once we achieve our goal, we leave immediately. The diversion team will then also retreat." Toshiro said. "Well, that sums up the operation. Any questions."
"None at all!" Hifumi nodded.
"I have questions about the name." Sophia raised her hand, but Sumire slowly put it down for her.
"Excellent! In that case, let Operation Double Pincer Attack: Mach II commence!" Toshiro declared.
"Can we not just call it the Pincer Attack from Heaven and Hell?" Hifumi suggested.
"My only objections are to both of those operation names." Makoto sighed.
"Oh! I almost forgot to mention!" Toshiro was quickly reminded of one crucial fact. "This all hinges on the assumption that it will go well..."
"And so you want us to retreat in case things go poorly?" Sumire tilted her head. Knowing Toshiro, this was precisely what he had in mind.
"Every tactician must plan for success and failure." Hifumi added. "Assuming a plan can only go well is a fool's errand.
"Yes." Toshiro said. "If you ever feel like you're in danger, I want you to retreat right away." And as he said this, his gaze went straight to Erina.
Erina began to sweat, and glanced away with a nervous expression. "W-Why are you looking at me!?"
"Because you clearly need to hear this the most. Need I mention your prior record?" Toshiro gave Erina a firm stare.
"Yeah. You're more impulse than person." Mika pointed at Erina.
"If you act recklessly again, you'll endanger the success of the operation!" As he said this, he stepped closer to Erina. "Well, do you get it now, eh?"
Erina just rolled her eyes in response to this. "Yeah, yeah..."
"Wha-!?" Again with that flippant attitude?! Toshiro wasn't sure how much of this he could stand. "What's with this attitude of yours!?"
"Waaaaah, this is old man Kasukabe harassment!" Erina said with a fake and exaggerated tone.
"That's it! I'm going to speak my mind today!" Toshiro had enough of Erina brushing him off like this! "You're...!" And it just devolved into more of them bickering. So, nothing new here.
"Those two get along real well, don't they?" Haru snickered, while Yuki giggled in response as well.
.
.
With their disguises in tow, the Phantom Thieves made their way to the garrison. Yusuke stared at the building ahead. "So, this must be their base."
"Now that we're actually here, I'm a little nervous." Ann said with a sweat drop. She looked to her fellow samurai. "Um...we're trying to pass off as Aizen Squad members, right?"
"That's the plan. Yuki gave us some sake to use as well." Makoto nodded. "The idea is for us to give them the sake so we can hold a banquet. Oh, and some of these have water in them instead of sake, just in case. Don't get any ideas."
"Yeah. Don't." Zenkichi doubled down on that. Although it was clear that Makoto had it under control, he wasn't planning to look the other way when it came to underaged drinking.
"Alright, now let's roll!" Ryuji was ready to step forward, but paused. "Wait. What are we supposed to say to them?"
What a good question. Not something many of them thought about. "Um. Ahoy?" Ann suggested.
"W-We have a search warrant...?" Erina said, confused.
"How art thou?" Ren also added.
"...Strike three. You're all out." Akechi shook his head.
"All you gotta do is remain calm when going undercover." Zenkichi explained. He was used to going undercover, so that's precisely why he was the one leading the Aizen Squad imposter team. "Copy their mannerisms, for example. Act relaxed. If you're too stiff, they'll notice something's off. You need to give them the idea that you've been there as long as they have."
While Zenkichi was giving them sound advice... "Who goes there?!" An Aizen Squad member noticed the group and approached
"AH! When did he-!?" Ann squeaked in panic. In that moment, she completely forgot everything Zenkichi just told them.
"Ahoy! How art thou? We come with search warrants!" And Ryuji was the worst case of all.
"Wonderful." Akechi pinched the bridge of his nose.
This absolutely aroused the squad member's suspicions. "You're a strange lot..."
"Forgive them, they're new here." Zenkichi quickly stepped forward to defuse the situation. "We're here as...escorts, for these geishas here." He reminded himself of the cover story they decided on only moments ago, during a brief trip back to the hideout.
"Please forgive our rudeness, sir." Haru spoke with a polite tone. Something she could easily pull out at a moment's notice due to her background. "We are lord Yoshiki's humble servants." Not exactly something she enjoyed saying, but she would do whatever she had to for the sake of the operation.
"Servants..." Mika grumbled harshly under her breath. She didn't like it either! But she could restrain herself.
"Lord Yoshiki's servants?" The squad member slowly relented on their suspicion.
"Yes, that's correct." Sumire added with a polite bow. "We came on Lord Yoshiki's behalf."
"He wanted to express his gratitude for your daily toil, for you all work in the service of his love." Hifumi also gave a curt bow as well. "As the gentleman said, he and his group here are simply here to escort us."
"Ah, so that's what this is about." The squad member nodded slowly. "I wouldn't dare disregard Lord Yoshiki's thoughtfulness. This way, then. Follow me." And so, he started to lead the way inside the base.
"Excellent work, everyone. We scraped by!" Sophia said that a bit too innocently.
"Let's...try not to scrape by like that next time." Makoto pressed her index finger to her forehead and sighed.
"Let's stay in character for now, okay?" Haru suggested.
"Roger that!" Ryuji nodded.
"I beg of thee, forgive me." And there was Ann, going a little overboard with the dramatics. Hifumi let out a small sigh in the background.
.
.
Once led inside the base, the group was brought to the banquet hall, where a jovial squad member explained the situation to the others within the building. "And there you have it! Now, let's enjoy Lord Yoshiki's generosity!" And after he said that, the entire hall erupted in loud cheers.
"Geez. You just gotta say Yoshiki's name and they'll believe anything around here..." Ryuji was pretty stunned at this.
"It just goes to show how absolute Yoshiki's rule is around here." Makoto sighed.
"They're all sheep..." Mika rolled her eyes.
"But now that we've made our way inside, it's time to begin the next phase of the Pincer Attack from Heaven and Hell!" Hifumi said excitedly. Because Toshiro wasn't present to object, she was happy to use it.
"We never decided on that name." Akechi added, but it didn't look like Hifumi was paying attention to that fact.
"Won't it look strange if we went out asking around together..?" Erina asked, trying to move the operation along.
"Exactly." Zenkichi nodded. "We're too large a group. We can't just approach someone and expect answers. That's why we're going to split into two groups: Aizen Squad, and the geishas. This way, we'll blend in without question."
"Excellent idea, Zenkichi!" Sophia was happy with this idea.
"Alright, guys." Ren looked to everyone. "We got through the front door, but that's only the first step. The real operation starts now."