Hey guys and gals, welcome back to MHA: The Value of a Thief and this chapter we'll be continuing the investigation in Kaneshiro.
But this time around we're going to be ending up in the palace and hopefully get the Makoto awakening scene but we'll have to wait and see.
Not only that but as I said last time, we're going to be having another scene with Keichiro and learning a bit more about his relationship with Ren.
So with that said, how about we get this chapter started
Disclaimer: I don't own anything except my Oc's.
Karaoke Bar
Third person P.O.V.
"Ugh! We've been searching all day! And still nothing!" Ryuji groaned, as the Phantom Thieves sat around a Karaoke room.
"Shibuya isn't the smallest place in the world you know" Ann pointed out, making Ryuji frown.
"I know that! But it feels like we won't get anywhere with this" Ryuji told her.
"I hear you and the Student Council President managed to find one?" Yusuke asked, looking over at Ren.
"Yeah, but it didn't exactly go well. Heh, maybe we should have just tied him up and interrogated him all Batman style" Ren jokes, but Ryuji looked like he liked the idea "I'm kidding."
"W-Wha! Psh, I-I totally knew that" Ryuji stuttered while the otters sweatdropped.
"He's part of a criminal syndicate! Doing something like that would be way too dangerous" Ann frowned, crossing her arms.
"Ugh! The Police can't find them, the Net has tons of info but none of it is specific or reliable! God! What are we supposed to do next!" Ryuji groaned, before flopping back on the couch "If only we had someone we could just go and ask to find all of this out for us."
'Someone we could ask…maybe…' Ren mused, tapping his chin before shaking 'No! No way am I asking that bastard for help.'
"How about those two journalists we met outside of Yusuke's?" Ren suggested "I've seen and chatted with them from time to time around the station and I still have their business cards. I could try and get in contact with them."
"Ooh, that's not a bad idea, but do you think we can trust them?" Ryuji asked, as Ann crossed her arms.
"I'm more worried about whether or not they'll have the info we're looking for." Ann sighed "If only we had others we could check in with."
"Hmm, I might know someone actually" Yusuke said, as Ren reached for his drink.
"You do? Who is it." Morgana asked, looking up at Yusuke.
"The other day I met a detective who was a regular in Leblanc, he asked if he could take a look around my old home to see if he could find anything the police couldn't." Yusuke explained "He helped a lot, found a lot of money my mother was hiding and did the deed to the house. If it wasn't for him, the other students wouldn't be renovating it to become a proper art school."
"Huh, what's his name?" Ann asked, while Ren took a sip of his drink.
"Keichiro Kurusu-" "PSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"Woah, dude you okay" Ryuji asked, as Ren coughed a bit.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine…just didn't think I'd hear that name…" Ren frowned.
"Now that I think about it, wasn't that the same detective that asked us about what happened in Shujin"
"Oh you've got to be kidding me!" Ren groaned, rubbing his head.
"Seriously Ren, how do you know this guy?" Morgana asked, as Ren glanced back at the cat.
"Let's just say he's someone from my hometown I'm not exactly on talking terms with" Ren said "But he is a good source of information so…hah, Yusuke and Ann you to go and talk with him. Me and Ryuji will go and talk with the journalists."
The others nodded as Ren checked his phone and sent a message to them "Alright, well I gotta go now before Sakurai-san get's pissed again."
Ren then grabbed his bag and stood up, making his way towards the door.
"Wait Ren, what did Kurusu-san do to you? From what we've seen he's a really good guy so why are you so mad at him." Ann asked, and the others nodded, also wanting to know.
"Yeah man, if he's as bad as you say he is then we should know! Heck maybe we could change his heart" Ryuji suggested making Ren sigh.
"He didn't do anything" Ren told them before leaving as the others looked at each other worried.
Niijima Residence
Third person P.O.V.
"I'm home…" Makoto muttered, opening the door and walking into her apartment where she saw her sister working.
"Good your here, I got a call from your teachers at Shujin today" Sae said, making Makoto blink "They were asking if you made any lifestyle changes recently"
"H-Huh…" Makoto mumbled, while Sae turned to her.
"I gave them a suitable enough answer, but... Is there some kind of issue at school?" Sae sighed, rubbing her temples.
"No... It's nothing. I'm sorry to worry you." Makoto apologized, while Sae examined her.
"You've been coming home late these past few days." Sae noted as she gently closed her laptop and walked over to Makoto. "I doubt you would do such a thing, but try to avoid wandering around Shibuya late at night. I've been hearing stories of girls your age throwing their lives away out there. Getting wrapped up in shady deals, blackmailed into sex work..."
"I know…I've been hearing rumors about that as well. People have been mentioning it at school."
"These aren't mere rumors. I know of a few such cases…that… Well, it should be nothing for you to worry about. Just concentrate on your studies for now." Sae told her while Makoto nodded.
Makoto watched as Sae left the room before she glanced down at the floor "B-But…they're unforgivable."
Opening: Flyers from Death Parade, lyrics be Leeandlie
WOAH! OH! WOAH! OH! OH! YEAH! YEAH!
In the middle of the city we see a gigantic statue of the number 1 hero All Might, however on his chest was a spray painted logo of a top hat and mask with flame coming out the eyes.
YEAH! YEAH! OW!
We then see a blur zoom past the statue, with the camera barely following its movements.
It's your haze of delusion versus reality
We see Joker running from rooftop to rooftop, with a light shining on him as several helicopters chased after him
Just keep stirring the pot to find your individuality
Arsene then flew up behind him before Joker jumped off the rooftop and grabbed his partner's Chain to help him fly.
Delete another problem that is plaguing your mind
We next see Skull running down the highway as several police cars chased after him, a wild grin on his face as he ran
From day to day! To end to end! That's entertainment of our lives
Captain kidd then sailed up and caught Skull as he cheered into the night sky, as face of pure joy behind him
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Dancing through the skies
Several paint marks were slashed at the walls, as we see Fox painting everything in the alleyway around him
Let's celebrate our time, and party while we're still alive
He then spun around as Goemon showed and blew his smoke allowing the paint to glow revealing he had painted different hero posters and stop signs.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Dancing through the skies
Panther then jumped down onto some train tracks and began dancing, as she began spinning around like a Ballerina
Kick your worries to the side and aim up to the sky.
Carmine then appeared behind her, and below a flaming tornado that spun around her as she smiled up at the beauty.
EVERYBODY! Put your hands up!
We see Queen riding on Johana with Mona on her back, as the two of them drove up an elevator through a window.
We'll be flying~ Can you imagine it?
We see a large UFO flying above the city with Oracle inside, before she tapped a few commands into it
Search and you'll find the stage set within your dreams.
The UFO then began flashing several colours like a Disco Ball that lit up the entire city.
The place where you're the one
Down below we see Noir and Milady dancing like in a ball on Shibuya crossing before the two spun around.
That's where you're meant to be!
Noir then struck a pose as Milady revealed the variety of guns below her dress.
EVERYBODY!
We then see the Thieves falling through the sky towards a variety of statues of Pro Heroes.
Put your hands up!
We see both Panther and Mona aiming firing their guns at a statue of Ryukyu which crumbled into pieces.
We'll be flying!
Then Skull and Fox quickly moved past a large statue Edgeshot, cutting it in half.
Can you imagine it?
Next we see Queen and Noir crashing, punching the large statue of endeavour into pieces.
Search and you'll find the stage you set within your dreams
In the UFO we see Oracle typing in a few more codes with a grin on her face, before snapping her fingers causing her UFO to drop a huge bomb towards the All Might statue.
The place where you're the one, that's where you're meant to be
Joker then grinned as Arsene threw him towards the bomb which he shot with his pistol causing a huge explosion of colours.
FLYIN! Within these memories!
We see the whole team of Phantom Thieves cheering at the beautiful explosion they were witnessing.
FLYING! That you're slowly forgetting!
Joker smirked before he spun around and landed towards the ground as the train passed by him.
Just listen close to the song that lies within you~
Ren then gets up in his school uniform with Morgana in his bag, before he waved to us and walked back towards the crowd of people passing by.
Soul~
My Hero Academia! The Value of a Thief!
A few days later
Shinjuku
Third person P.O.V.
"Dude, I'm telling you it's gonna be fine" Ryuji told Ren while wearing his summer uniform which consisted of a red t-shirt with his uniform trousers.
"Yeah well, don't blame me if you get kicked out by the bar's owner" Ren sighed, shaking his head.
It has been a few days since Ren sent the message and eventually they were given a reply saying to meet them in a bar all the way in Shinjuku.
Coincidentally, Keichiro had also replied to the message on the same day so Yusuke and Ann went to go and speak with him while Ren and Ryuji went to speak with the two journalists.
"But seriously, this place is different at this time of night" Ryuji admitted, as they looked around Shinjuku with several stores advertising drinks and the chance to see some cute girls.
"Don't get distracted Ryuji, we only got one shot at this." Morgana told him.
"I know that-" "Hey!"
The two jumped as they looked over at an officer walking up to them "Are you a student, you shouldn't be out this late you know."
"Ah, I'm College student," Ren explained, crossing his arms. "Just here to meet someone for an assignment is all, I will be out of here in a bit."
"Y-Yeah, we're both definitely adults" Ryuji nodded, as the man examined the two of them.
"Wait a minute…recognize those pants, that's the uniform from that segment about the teacher harassing kids" He realised "You two have got to be high schoolers, come with- h-hey!"
Before the officer could take them away, Ren and Ryuji dashed off with the officer chasing after them, but thanks to the large number of people they were able to lose them.
"That was way too close" Morgana huffed, looking a bit dizzy.
"Hey, it's not my fault that our school's been getting famous." Ryujji frowned, "What are we meant to do now?"
"I'll try to go in alone, you just wait here alright" Ren suggested, as Ryuji sighed.
"Alright fine, good luck" Ryuji waved, as Ren made his way back to the bar.
"Um, excuse me."
"Huh?" Ryuji then blinked as he looked over at someone with a small stand in the alleyway.
The woman has purple eyes, long blonde hair, and wears a big navy blue headband. She wears a necklace with a small red jewel resembling a teardrop. She also wears a navy blue long sleeved shirt. Over this is a light purple dress with clock-like black designs that resembled a wheel of fortune and two black laces. ON her lower body were a pair of navy blue tights and dark grey slippers.
"Huh? What do you want?" Ryuji asked, with a raised eyebrow
"Well it's just…I'm sensing that you'll have some upcoming woman troubles… or… perhaps it's something else?" She muttered before shaking her head "In any case, a horrible disaster is coming for you in your future! Please, you must allow me to examine your future further."
"Huh? What, me?" Ryuji asked, looking confused.
"Yes! I can sense that this will be a result of something you did in the past." The woman explained "I truly suggest you get your fortune told, what I say will surely come to pass."
"Ugh, more of this shit…look sorry but I'm kinda waiting for someone and I don't really believe in that stuff anyways."
"I-I see…my apologies…" she muttered, as Ryuji walked off.
"Hopefully he'll be able to endure his upcoming future."
Meanwhile Ren walked back up to the Bar only to be met by the same officer "You again, I already told you that you can't come in here."
"Look I really do need to go in there, it's for the assignment." Ren told him as the officer scoffed.
"Oh yeah, when unless you have some with you I can't-" "Oh hey there you are little bro."
The two then blinked, as they looked over to see the male journalist Ren had met and walked up to them.
"Sorry Officer, I asked him to meet me here." He said, before wrapping his arm around Ren "Ain't that right?"
"Uh, y-yeah!" Ren nodded, as the Officer crossed his arms.
"Well alright, just don't stay too long" The officer sighed before walking off.
Ren sighed before turning to the Journalist "Thanks, but why did you help me out."
"Heh, Ohya mentioned that you were coming so I thought I'd give you a hand. Plus I wanted to ask you some stuff too." He explained, "Name's Taneo Tokuda by the way."
"Ah…Amamiya Ren…" He nodded, as the two walked into the bar.
"Wel~come- wait a minute, are you old enough to be here?" The owner of the bar who Ren wasn't sure if they were a man or a woman asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I-uh-effum…" "Ah don't worry Lala-chan, he's here with me" Taneo grinned, patting Ren's back.
"Uh y-yeah, I'm here to meet with Ichiko Ohya?" Ren explained.
"Yahoo! I'm over here!" They heard, looking over to see the reporter in question.
"Oooh, you picked up a young one this time, just don't let a minor drink alcohol, okay?" Lala told Ohya who pouted.
"Fiiiinnneee, come on. I got a spot for us in the back" Ohya grinned, dashing off to the back.
"You're not coming?" Ren asked, looking at Taneo.
"Nah, it's my policy not to overhear and steal someone's scoop. Besides, I have my own questions for ya." Taneo told him as Ren nodded.
A few minutes later Ren was sitting at the back as Ohya walked in with a glass of water and a glass of whiskey.
"Ugh, she reeks of booze…" Morgana frowned, while Ohya sat down.
"I have to admit, I thought you were joking about having questions for me but here you are! I respect that kinda bravery so I'll hear you out, what do you wanna know?" Ohya smiled, sitting across from Ren.
"There's been a Criminal Syndicate that's been operating in Shibuya lately right? I wanna know who the boss is?" Ren explained.
"Ooooooh, I was thinking it was something pervy like Midnight and Mt Lady's sizes, why do you wanna know something like that?" She asked, taking a sip of her drink making Ren sweatdrop.
"Wouldn't be much of a hero student if I just ignored something like this" Ren stated, crossing his arms.
"Ah I getcha, I getcha. Sure, what the hell I'll tell ya" she smiled, putting her drink down "But first, you've heard of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts right?"
"They've been trending a little on the internet lately, I've been doing my own research for an article on them" Ohya explained "And right now, I just happen to be looking for something to write about them, so know anything newsworthy."
"That's your condition?" Ren asked, making Ohya smile.
"That's right! They first showed up at Shujin with the whole Kamoshida scandal right? And you happen to be from Shujin too right? After all, I saw you in the uniform at the station." Ohya smiled, "Even better, you were one of his students."
"Well, can't say I can be of much help. I had only transferred like a week or two before the whole Calling Card thing." Ren explained "And the only major thing he did I'd rather keep private."
"What oh come on," Ohya pouted, as Ren glanced at her.
"Would you want your record to be public to not just your whole school." Ren asked, as Ohya thought about it.
"Okay yeah fair enough, so do you know anyone else?" She asked, as Ren crossed his arms.
"Crud, who are we gonna go for?" Morgana asked from the bag.
'Probably not a good idea to ask Ann or Ryuji, maybe Kazari…actually…' Ren thought before remembering the operation maid watch.
A smirk grew on his face as he turned to Ohya "What if I told you I could get you an interview with not only a victim of Kamoshida's, but the person who started the Phansite."
"Ooh! Seriously! That would be amazing! I guess sometimes all you gotta do is ask" Ohya grinned, before winking "Okay, this isn't technically payment upfront but still…"
"His name is Junya Kaneshiro, I bet he's the guy you're looking for. If you're curious then go ahead and look him up" She explained, as Ren smirked "There, whatever happens next is not my fault, so for now~ HEY! LALA! BRING OVER SOME DRINKS SO WE CAN TOAST TO OUR NEW RELATIONSHIP!"
"A-Ah! Actually I have to go, I have someone waiting for me outside" Ren told her getting up and heading to the door but before he could Taneo stopped him.
"Hold up, I still have my questions," Taneo reminded Ren as he looked up at him.
"And what questions would you wanna ask me?" Ren asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Well duh, you were one of the students at U.A. during that interview" He explained to a surprised Ren "I saw you over there and let me tell ya, you gave the Detective Prince quite the talking too."
Ren just scoffed as he crossed his arms "Dude was an asshole, like seriously. He was trying to make both Kamoshida and Madarame as the victims, what kind of person does that!"
"Oh I totally agree with you but I liked what you said, that the Heroes could learn from the Thieves…what exactly did you mean by that?" He asked, as Ren raised an eyebrow.
"It's exactly as it is, the current hero world isn't perfect and the rules that these Heroes follows honestly just hurt a lot more people than they help" Ren explained "That's why I think these Phantom Thieves, who break the rules of these heroes while still trying to help people if exactly what's needed to have them start reconsidering the rules."
"Heh, well thanks. You've given me a lot to think about… here" Taneo said, handing Ren a business card "I might hit you up to get some of your opinions on the hero world, know a place I can meet you."
"Having a contact like him could be useful to Ren" Morgana suggested, as Ren looked at him.
"Try Leblanc, I usually work there when I'm not at school" Ren explained, before leaving the bar as Taneo waved him goodbye.
Ren then left the bar as he walked down the street checking his phone "H-Hey is that Ryuji?"
"Huh?" Ren blinked at Morgana's voice as he looked over at Ryuji with two guys.
"Oooh! You're a cute one!" "Yes, he's definitely cute. And look at those muscles I'd say an 85 out of 100!" Two Crossdressers grinned, moving up close to Ryuji.
"AH! H-HEY! What are you doing! Who the hell are you guys!" Ryuji yelled, moving back.
"Oooh how cute! You haven't heard of us, we're Shinjuku hunters honey~""Oh~ you're so cute! I could just eat you up."
"H-Hey! Ren! Gimme a hand here, they won't leave me alone!" Ryuji begged.
"Alright alright I'm-" Ren was about to say before remembering Operation Maid Watch "Hey Ryuji~"
"W-What…" He gulped, as Ren looked at him "Y-You're not seriously gonna abandon your buddy are you?
"Remember Operation Maid Watch? When you abandoned me with the maid?" He asked, making Ryuji's eyes widen.
"No…"
"Bye."
"NO!"
Ren snickered as he walked down the street after leaving Ryuji to his fate but as he walked past an alleyway to a train station he didn't notice the fortune teller was watching him.
'That young man…his Fate…every single road leads to destruction…' She thought, her eyes glowing as she analysed Ren.
She could see several energy chains wrapped around Ren's body, around his arms, legs,his shoulders, chest, waist and his neck. However two of the chains on his arms were sliced away.
'And yet…why does it seem like there's something protecting him…no, there's nothing I can do…his faith is sealed…' she thought with a sad frown on her face.
Shibuya
Third person P.O.V.
"I have to admit, I'm surprised that you two knew Ren," Keichiro smiled, as Ann, Yusuke and Keichiro sat in the Diner in Shibuya.
"Yeah same, though if I could ask…how do you know Ren" Ann asked, making the older man go silent.
"He hasn't told you?" He asked, as the two shook their heads "Well if he hasn't then it's not my place to tell you…"
"Hmm, fair enough. Wouldn't want to break his trust like that" Yusuke nodded.
"Good, glad to see that he has some trustworthy friends," Keichiro smiled "So, what did you want to ask me?"
"Well we've been hearing a lot of rumours about how dangerous Shibuya has been lately, we were wondering if you knew anything about it?" Ann asked, as the man took a sip of his coffee "Specifically, who's the one leading it."
"That's not something kids like you should know," Keichiro told them.
"Please, this isn't just for ourselves this is also for the sake of the other students being affected by this" Yusuke pleaded.
"I'm sorry but I won't do it, it's far too risky" He told them making the two look down "But, I can tell you the risks. Specifically, his Quirk."
"Really?" Ann asked and he nodded.
"You see, it's like a Mosquito Bank" he told them, making them blink.
"Mosquito Bank?"
"Yes, it allows him to manifest many a special kind of Mosquito drone that digs itself into a person's body leaving a Mosquito shaped Tattoo that drains away their life energy at his command" He explained "If the person is unable to pay their debts to him, then he drains away an amount equal to the amount of money they had missing, just like a Bank."
"That's terrible" "How could he put money on people's lives like that."
"Now you see how dangerous truly is, I wouldn't recommend going after him" Keichiro told them before hearing the ringing "One moment…hello?"
"KEICHIRO! HOW LONG ARE YOU GONNA TAKE! YOU SAID YOU'D GET ME THE NEW GAME!"
"I told you I would when I'm done Fu-" "ALIBABA!" "Hai, hai, Alibaba… I'll be going now."
"You better!" The girl yelled, before hanging up.
"Was that your daughter?" Yusuke asked, making Keichiro blink.
"My daughter? No no, I just help take care of from time to time while I'm between cases" he explained before standing up "But as you can see, I have to go now. I'll see you two another time."
Saying their goodbyes, Yusuke and Ann stood back up and left the Diner.
"Ugh, can't believe we couldn't get a name. Ann groaned, but Yusuke shook his head.
"We may have failed in that mission, but we at least discovered his Quirk which may help us discern the type of Palace it is." Yusuke reminded her, causing Ann to blink "Considering the way he's done his business, I'd say a Bank is most likely for him."
"Ooh! That's a good point! Let's let the others asap!" Ann suggested, with Yusuke nodding.
Nijima Residence
Third person P.O.V.
As all of this was happening, we see Makoto and Sae having together with Makoto checking her phone.
'Still no reply from them…are they really working on this' she thought, before sighing and placing her phone away.
As she continued eating her dinner, a thought came to mind as she glanced at her sister "So…I've been thinking alot lately about those Phantom Thieves, I mean. If Dad were still alive…never mind, I shouldn't be bringing this up over dinner…"
"It's okay, keep going." Sae said, much to Makoto's surprise.
"I just wonder if he would've been on their side... That's all..." Makoto sheepishly admitted.
"...The only reason you have time to think about that is because you depend on someone else." Sae exclaimed with disapproving looks.
"That's not- I just…"
"You don't have to do a single thing, and you're provided with food, clothes, a home..." Sae continued, sounding more and more angry as she slammed her on the table "I've had no time to think on such ridiculous thoughts. Would Dad have been happy with them? I don't care. He died upholding some lofty sense of righteousness, leaving all his responsibilities on us."
"A-All I was trying to say was-" Makoto tried to protest, her voice meek.
"Isn't it about time you grew up and acknowledged our situation!?" Sae snapped, not letting Makoto get a word in. "Right now, you're nothing but a useless burden that gets in the way! That just consumes my time…my resources…MY WHOLE LIFE!
A look of regret passed by Sae's face as she looked down "I'm…I'm sorry…that was uncalled for…I'm just really tired.
But the damage was already done, as Makoto just looked down at her bangs covering her face as she held back her tears.
Sae then stood up and started walking towards the room "I'll…be eating out from tomorrow onward…"
Makoto remained silent however as Sae left, not sure what to do.
Next day
Shibuya
Third person P.O.V.
"How could you!" Ryuji said as he angrily walked over to Ren, Ann, and Yusuke. "I can't believe you guys ditched me yesterday! I almost entered a world I want nothing to do with!"
Ann looked over at Ren, a little confused, before asking, "What are you talking about, Ryuji?"
Ryuji's face quickly went red with embarrassment. "Nothing... Just, did you find anything."
"Well we've got the name and the Palace, but we still have gotten a place yet" Morgana explained.
"I've been looking all night, but I can't find shiiiiiiitttttt…" Ren groaned, flopping his head down.
"Seriously? Nothing" Ann asked, but Ren shook his head.
"If we're talking about a place where he keeps his cash, maybe his own hideout?" Ryuji suggested, crossing his arms.
Candidate not found.
"How about a real bank?" Ann asked, as Morgana looked at her.
"We tried that but then his cognition wouldn't be distorted." Morgana reminded her.
"Oh, right." Ann frowned, crossing her arms.
"Damnit... We ain't getting' anywhere!" Ryuji said, starting to pace in a small circle.
"This may be difficult to explain... But doesn't it seem like we're thinking a little too in the box?" Yusuke asked, looking up at the others "Palaces emanate a passionate madness. It feels as though we're missing that aspect."
"The hell are you talking about?" Ryuji asked, staring at Yusuke in confusion.
"This Palace is a bank for someone who extorts money with criminal acts. It's something more..."
Ann stared at the phone and asked, "But what other ways can we think about it? Oh... Could it mean a place where you withdraw money?"
"Hold on! Do you think it might have something to do with the victims?" Morgana suggested, with his eyes widened.
"Okay, now we're onto something… so if he sees people as banks, then his Palace has to be where he thinks his Banks are…" Ren muttered "So probably the most profitable place he has is in Shibuya."
"But... How many people are victims of this in all of Shibuya?" Ryuji asked rhetorically.
Candidate found.
"A hit," Yusuke gasped, looking at Ren's phone.
"For real?! What did I say" Ryuji blinked, looking confused.
"It says…it's all of Shibuya" Ren told them, making their eyes widen.
"Like... The entire city!?" Ann asked, looking baffled "That's a lot of ground to cover..."
"Well, it is certainly where his victims are... He really is a terrible criminal." Morgana frowned, looking at the others.
"Guess, the only thing we can do now is go in," Ren said, as Yusuke crossed his arms.
"Is it okay for us to go in, in the middle of this crowd?" Yusuke asked, looking worried.
"Should be fine, I mean no one notices if a piece of trash disappeared right?" Ryuji asked, rolling his arms.
"Alright, well here goes nothing" Ren nodded, as he pressed the start navigation button.
Beginning Navigation.
Kaneshiro's Palace
Third person P.O.V.
When the Thieves arrived in the Palace they found that it looked like Shibuya at night with a green hue around and many Paper Yen floating around the palace even filling up the buildings.
"Yup, this is definitely Shibuya alright" Joker nodded, looking around.
"Well, it definitely is where all his victims are gathered." Mona nodded, crossing his arms "Sheesh! Talk about a crook who thinks big."
"Wait, what the hell is that?!" Panther yelped, pointing at some figures stomping around the place.
What they saw was a bunch of walking ATMs with black arms and legs walking around and muttering some things while others were broken and slumped on the ground.
"Walking ATMs... That must be his cognition of people." Fox frowned, looking at the ATM's.
"All of this… meaning his desires are so warped that they encompass the whole area…" Mona frowned.
"Okay? So" Skull shrugged but Panther gasped.
"Oh! I get it, the past 2 Palaces only changed the building itself but this one takes up the whole area" Panther realised.
"So to Kaneshiro, everything in Shibuya is just one big money tree" Joker noted, looking around "Which means finding the main building hard…"
"Okay! First things first, we go and get some information" Mona nodded, as they began walking around.
"EEEEEPP!" One of the ATM's yelped, as Panther accidentally bumped into her.
"Oh, I'm sorry." "I-I'm sorry! P-Please forgive meeeee!"
"Huh? So they can speak" Joker blinked, surprised.
"I don't have any more money! I swear! Not even one yen! S-So please…"
"Whoa, the poor guy is freaking terrified" Skull frowned, looking sorry for the ATM.
"Don't let what happened to them happen to me! Please, I beg you!" They begged, as Ren reached forward.
"Hey now, just calm down and brea-" "EEEEEEEEEEKKKKK!" The ATM screamed, running off.
"So, safe to say that these ATM's are Kaneshiro's victims…" Fox muttered, crossing his arms "So in other words, the broken ones are the ones that were…"
"Dude…that's messed up" Skull frowned, looking at the broken ATM's before noticing one barely hanging "Whoa hey! What about that one."
"I-I c-can't…it's t-too much…" A halfway broken down ATM muttered, stumbling through the streets.
"Hey excuse me, can we…" "I'm through…through! There's nothing left…I'm going to…"
"Hey now, tell me what happened?" Joker asked with a serious look.
"Can't you tell by look! I've hit rock bottom… I fell… tripping off the edge of the place they'll never reach…"
"Huh? A Place that they'll never reach? What's that supposed to mean! Hey!" Skull tried to say before he fell to his knees.
"So…tired…please…just let me…rest…" The ATM muttered, before crashing on to the ground.
The Thieves watched as a ball of light floated out of the ATM and flew upwards as they followed the ball until their eyes widened as they saw a giant flying saucer type of thing that was spilling out money from its wake.
"WHAT THE HEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLL!"
"A-A flying building…" Panther muttered, utterly shocked.
"I've heard about things like this being by villains, but never thought I'd see it up close" Joker muttered "Though it does make a twisted sort of sense, a palace they can never reach him."
"How are we meant to get up there" Skull gulped, looking over at Joker "Can you grappling hook up there."
"With this wind, doubt even the Persona's can fly us up there" Joker frowned.
"So... How do we get up there?" Panther asked, before looking down at Mona "Can you sure into a helicopter, Mona?"
"Nope. Just a van." Mona shook his head while Skull gave him a deadpanned look.
"Well, that is extremely useful right now." Skull said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.
"Shut it! I'm not some robot cat! I'm not a cat at all!" Mona yelled, jumping into the air.
"This may be the limit of what we can do today." Fox commented, crossing his arms
"Yeah... Let's head back and come up with ideas on how we're breaking in later. There's gotta be a way..." Joker muttered, looking down.
Shibuya Station
Third person P.O.V.
"Ugh! This is the worst" Ryuji sighed, as the group hung around the Shibuya Accessway "I'm totally stumped…"
"Uh, that's nothing to shout about, thanks." Ann sighed, shaking her head "But I get where you're coming from. It feels like we're at a deadend here!"
"Yeah seriously, a Palace in the sky! That's so not fair." Morgana frowned "The only way we could get into that is by changing Kaneshiro's cognition."
"And we can only do that if we actually meet with him…" Yusuke muttered, crossing his arms.
"That would be easy if they hadn't seen my face earlier…probably going to tell Kaneshiro to keep away from Shujin students…" Ren muttered.
"Seem's you're all having some trouble" They heard, looking over at Makoto walking up to them.
"Great, what do you want?" Ann asked, crossing her arms.
"Nothing in particular…just it's been awhile since I've heard from you all and I wanted an update" Makoto explained "Haru is on her way as well."
"Huh, is that so…" Ryuji frowned, crossing his arms
"I'm getting the impression that you all are having trouble with progressing…" Makoto muttered, looking at them.
"Tch, so you've come to check up on us huh? Well don't bother, you may be the Student Council President but you're just getting in the way when it comes to what we do" Ann told her.
"Getting…in the way…?" Makoto muttered, stepping back.
"Right now, you're nothing but a useless burden that gets in the way! That just consumes my time…my resources…MY WHOLE LIFE!
"To be honest…yes, if you had not stepped in earlier when you did then we wouldn't be in the predicament we are now" Yusuke stated, bluntly.
"So just stay on your high horse and watch. Or do you wanna keep on doing your favourite hobby of eavesdropping? Since you seem so good at it" Ryuji scoffed, crossing his arms.
"Guys, that's enough! Knock it off!" Ren yelled glaring at his team "I get you all are frustrated but arguing now and blaming Makoto won't help anyone!"
"So…you wish to get in contact with this Kaneshiro person…right…" Makoto muttered, as they all turned to her.
"Huh?" They blinked, looking at her.
"That is what you were just discussing wasn't it? I don't know why but will meeting him in person give you what you need" Makoto asked.
"Uh, something like that yeah?" Ren sweatdropped, scratching his cheek
"Dude! What the hell, why do you keep answering her honestly." Ryuji yelled, as Ren looked back at his team.
"I could be asking you all the same questions" He stated, dryly while Makoto looked down.
"Oh, that's surprising, You're just one of those good girl types of push over."
"Right now, you're nothing but a useless burden that gets in the way!"
"I'm not…"
"What was that?" Ren blinked, with a raised eyebrow.
"Fine. I'll help you meet Kaneshiro." Makoto said dashing off and not noticing Haru as she passed by her.
"Eh? Mako-chan?!" Haru blinked, surprised before turning over to the Thieves "What in the world happened."
"I dunno, ask these three geniuses who started ganging up on her." Ren asked, pointing to Ann, Ryuji and Yusuke making Haru gasp.
"W-Why would you do something like that?" Haru asked, while Ann scoffed, crossing her arms.
"Who cares, she's just the principal's lap dog anyway-guh" SLAP!
Everyone was surprised when Haru suddenly walked up to Ann and slapped her in the face, especially Ann as she looked at Haru while holding her cheek.
"How dare you bully Mako-chan when you have no idea what she's going through!" Haru yelled, glaring at Ann "Principal Kobayakawa threatened to take away her position as student council president if she didn't figure this whole thing out. And now she's run off to do something incredibly dangerous! She could get hurt because of what you did!"
Everyone's eyes widened at what Haru told them, just how much stress and pressure Makoto had over this.
"Oh…oh we fucked up…" Ryuji gulped, stepping back.
"No shit! Come on! We gotta go and stop her!" Ren yelled, as the five teens quickly ran off.
Central Street
Third person P.O.V.
"Mako-chan! Mako-chan!" Haru called, as she, Ren, Ryuji. Ann and Yusuke moved through Central Street for the student council president.
"Damn it, we're never going to find her at this rate" Ryuji frowned, before they started hearing a phone ring.
"Huh?" Ren blinked, taking out his phone and recognising that it was Makoto calling through the chat they shared as he answered it "Hello?"
"Can you hear me? It's Makoto Nijima" Makoto asked, making Ren blink.
"Makoto?!" He gasped, as the others turned to him "What are you doing? Where are you!"
"Listen, just stay on the phone and listen. Don't forget to record the call as well" Makoto told him.
"What is Mako-chan doing?" Haru asked, as Ren put the phone on speaker.
"Do you guys know Kaneshiro?" Makoto's voice asked on the other end.
"What?"
"That's a guy's voice! What's that idiot doing!" Ryuji yelled, looking more and more worried.
"I heard I could find someone named Kaneshiro if I came to Central Street." Makoto asked again, as Haru looked down.
"Mako-chan, what are you doing? You know that this isn't safe…" Haru muttered, pointing her head down.
"What're you getting at?" A different male gangster asked.
"He's blackmailing the students of Shujin Academy, is he not? Tell him if he doesn't want me talking to the police about it, he'd better agree to meet with me." Makoto's stern voice said, before the criminals seemed to move in close.
"You got a death wish or somethin'?"
"She has to be somewhere on Central Street!" Ann said, glancing over at Yusuke.
"She's being too rash!" Yusuke argued.
"We have to stop her!" Ren told them, as the others nodded before they rushed ahead.
However when they made it to the alleyway, they spotted Makoto now inside a car which quickly drove off.
"Shit! We were too late!" Ryuji yelled, as they chased the car through the alleyway before it went on to the road.
"No! Mako-chan!" Haru gasped, covering her mouth.
"I bet those were the same guys that messed with us the other day, that's how Makoto knew who to go for" Morgana guessed while Ann turned to Ren.
"Is she still on?" She asked, as Ren looked at the phone.
"Contact Kaneshiro-san. Tell him we have a good one." A Male voice said that it sounded a bit far away.
"Where are we going?" Makoto's voice demanded.
"I guess we can't do anything to her if she's gonna be Kaneshiro-san's customer."
"Hey, I asked a question. Where are we going?"
"How are we gonna follow them?" Ann asked, frantically looking around.
"Ryuji, get a taxi and Yusuke can you remember what the Car looks like?" Ren asked and Yusuke nodded, while taking out a sketchbook.
"Wait, Kitagawa-kun what are you doing? How will driving the car help" Haru asked, as Yusuke glanced back at her.
" I memorized the license plate number. An artist's eye for detail. We'll give it to the taxi driver and ask him to follow it."
Ryuji tried hailing a taxi, lifting up his hand, but the taxi drove right past him. "Damn it! It drove right past me!"
Ryuji saw another taxi coming, and instead of lifting his hand up to hail the taxi, he jumped right in front of the moving vehicle, forcing it to come to a halt "HEY! I SAID STOP!"
"RYUJI!" Ren, Ann, Yusuke, Haru and Morgana chided in unison.
"Yell at me for my recklessness later, just get in! You told me to hail a taxi, so I did." Ryuji yelled, as they got into the Taxi before it drove off.
Club
Third person P.O.V.
"So you're supposed to be the Student Council President of Shujin huh?" Junya Kaneshiro asked, with a woman on his side while looking at Makoto's phone and student I.D. "Niijima huh? Kinda ironic…I'm sure you must've heard what happens when someone snaps at me right?"
Kaneshiro is a short and overweight man with slicked back brown hair. He wears a black shirt and black trousers with purple blazers and a golden chain around his neck.
"Ggh! Let me go!" Makoto yelled, as she was pinned down to the ground by the goons.
"So whose number was that? Your boyfriend or something?" Kaneshiro questioned, looking at the phone.
"What in the world!" Haru gasped, as she, Ren, Ryuji, Ann and Yusuke ran into the club.
"Who the hell are you!" Goons yelled, as they glared at the teens barging their way in.
"AH! Niijima-senpai!" Ren gasped, looking at her pinned to the ground.
"What the hell did you do to her!" Ryuji yelled, glaring at Kaneshiro.
"Ohh, I get it." Kaneshiro snarkily growled, while studying the five teens that just barged into his club.
"You got followed, you dumb shits!" Kaneshiro then opened up the briefcase that was sitting in front of him while setting down Makoto's phone.
"That bag you saw the other day, the crocodile one. How much was it?"
"... About three million?" The woman said after thinking about it for a moment.
Kaneshiro took a stack of yen out of his briefcase and handed it to the woman, making her gasp in delight. "For real!?"
"Better thank those guys." Kaneshiro smirked, motioning to the five teens on the other side of the room.
"I'm royally pissed right now. Can you tell? You know how spending money relieves stress? It's you goddamn brats sniffing around like dogs and barging in here like you own the joint! See this empty space in my briefcase? I'm so pissed that now there's a three million yen gap here. It pisses me off even more if I don't fill it up. I'm a perfectionist. So, good luck."
"What?" Ryuji asked, a little confused.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Yusuke demanded, waving his arm.
Kaneshiro scoffed before he pulled out his own phone and snapped a picture of the standing group.
Makoto's eyes widened from her position on the floor when caught sight of the phone "No!"
Kaneshiro turned his phone around and showed the group the latest picture. "Come on, you all look so tense. I think I'll call it 'Debauchery of Minors at a Club'. So, can I send it to your school?"
"That's-" Makoto attempted to protest.
"Oh damn, I got booze and cigs in the shot! Maybe some booze too?" Kaneshiro taunted as he leaned back on the couch. "Ahh... This is so hilarious. I feed on dumb shits like yo-gah!"
Kaneshiro growled, as Ren used his Quirk to fire an energy blast at the Phone, frying it and forcing Kaneshiro to drop it as he glared at Ren.
"Heh, not as much of a dumbshit as you thought huh" Ren grinned, while wagging his finger tauntingly.
"Tch, guess so…" he frowned, before snapping his fingers "Waste him."
On command the goons pulled out their Guns and pointed them at Ren "Ooooh, nice guns…but I think mine are better."
At that moment, several energy shots fire out of Ren's hands and shoot towards the goons hands, forcing them to drop the guns.
"NOW!" Ren yelled, as he, Ryuji and Yusuke rushed forward and delivered punches towards Goons causing them to stagger.
"Ann! Your turn!" Ren told her as Ann popped a candy into her mouth.
As Ann swirled the candy in her mouth to prepare her knockout gas, Haru noticed that Kaneshiro wasn't frightened at all.
'Why…' she thought, before glancing up and gasping as a Strange coloured Mosquito dashed towards Ann 'That's right! They told me his Quirk!'
"Look out!" Haru yelled, shoving Ann out of the way before Mosquito pierced Haru's shoulder.
"AH!" She gasped, as the Mosquito began digging itself into her body leaving a Mosquito shaped mark on her shoulder.
"HARU!" The others gasped, rushing over to her including Makoto.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA! That was hilarious! Try to play as real heroes and now look where it got you!" Kaneshiro laughed, while Ann helped Haru up
"Hah…hah…hurts…so much…" Haru huffed, as the Mosquito drained her.
"Grr!" Ren yelled, charging up a large blast before aiming at Kaneshiro "Take it out! Now!"
"Heh, and why would I do that? This is what you get for defying me" Kaneshiro smirked "And if you kill me, who's going to take it out of her huh?"
"Hrmm…" Ren frowned, before slowly lowering his hand.
"Goodboy, now you idiots wa-" he tried to say before getting a better look at Haru "Wait a minute…huh."
"You know what, actually…" he smirked, before having the Mosquito stop sucking Haru's energy.
"H-Huh, it stopped" Haru blinked, reaching for her neck.
"But, but why?" Makoto asked, looking at Kaneshiro.
"Oh don't get too surprised, she's just way too integral to get rid of" Kaneshiro said, before picking up his damaged phone "Should still have the pictures saved.
"Now listen up, pretty little student council president? Run your mouth to the police, and I'll finish the job for her and ruin all of your lives, starting with your families." Kaneshiro told them, tossing Makoto her phone "Already memorised your number, so I'll be sending you some reminders."
"What do you mean…" Ren asked, as Kaneshiro continued.
" I want to give you the usual month, but well, you have such a large group here... and you pissed me right the hell off Three weeks. Bring ten million yen by then. No less. Summer bonuses are around the corner, you know? It'll be easy if you beg your mommies and daddies." He grinned, groping the girl next to him "Now get out of my sight. I'm about to have some fun."
"What!? To hell with that!" Ryuji argued, glaring at Kaneshiro
"Don't bother with him. Haru and Makoto's safety is more important right now." Morgana argued from Ren's bag as the Thieves began leaving.
Shibuya Alleyway
Third person P.O.V.
"Are you sure you don't need help Haru?" Makoto asked, as the 6 Teens cat sorrowfully walked through the alleyway.
"I-It's okay Mako-chan, I'm just a little tired" Haru assured her, as they stopped moving.
"Hey uh, just wanted to say sorry about before…we knew about the pressure you were under but just didn't realise just how much Pressure you were under." Ryuji apologised, rubbing his head.
"I'd like to apologise too…I had let the stress of me affect my decision. I'm sorry." Yusuke apologised as well.
"No, I should be the one apologizing…if it wasn't for my rashness then none of this would have happened…" Makoto apologised "I…I just needed to be helpful…truly helpful but I only made things worse…guess Big Sis was right…"
"You have a Sister, Nijima?" Ann asked, looking at her.
"Yeah, she's a proper grown woman with a good job…she's more competent and useful then I'll ever be…" Makoto muttered "See, our father died only a few years ago and ever since things haven't been easy for us…right now my sister and I are living together but since I'm still a minor I'm nothing but a burden to her."
"So that's why you felt like you had to do that" Ren frowned, while Makoto nodded.
"I just…I just really want to be useful…to someone…"
"Makoto! You are useful!" Haru told her "You've been working so hard for the sake of the other students!"
"Yeah, even besides everything that's happened it's still kinda messed up to call someone useless just because they're a kid" Ryuji frowned.
"Still…I think I have to apologise to you Takamaki" Makoto said, making Ann blink "Looking back, I'm certain that the school was covering up Kamoshida's actions…but I never bothered looking further into it just because…I didn't care enough…"
Ann was silent at Makoto's apology as she closed her eyes "People like me really are worthless reprehensible garbage-" "That's enough."
"H-Huh" Makoto blinked, looking up at Ann.
"Real scum wouldn't call themselves like that…" Ann told her, as Makoto looked at her, "What you said on that day was harsh…but fair, I was the closest to Shiho, but I couldn't do anything… I just fell into Kamoshida's lies and never believed in her or her own strength."
"Takamaki-san…" Makoto muttered, while Haru rubbed her back.
"It seems you too were someone suffering the unfairness of it all" Yusuke sighed, crossing his arms.
"Me too…?"
"Besides, even if you were all those things you called yourself…something we always tell the targets whose hearts we change…" Ren said, before looking up "Count up your sins…every single one…and repent and make up for all of them, that's the only thing any of us can do ''
"Amamiya-kun…" Makoto blinked, looking at him/
"You all…you all are absolutely amazing" They heard, looking over at Haru. "You've been hurt or pressured by this unfair world and yet you still rise up and try to fight to protect and change it… I wish I could have the courage to do something like that… it's not fair that good people like you were all put in this situation for doing that."
"Haru?" Makoto questioned, looking at her friend.
"Please, allow me to handle this situation… My father is the owner of a very influential company!" Haru begged "10 million yen won't be anything for us."
"Are you sure your father would be okay with that?" Ren asked, crossing his arms.
"...He'll get mad at me…for letting myself get affected by this… but I'm sure if I just listen and follow his demands then he'll do it" Haru told them while the Phantom Thieves looked at each other.
"No can do. We're all caught up in this." Ryuji said quickly, surprising Makoto and Haru.
"Besides, even if we do pay for it then nothing would change about the situation." Ren told them "And when the Phantom Thieves choose a case, we see it through to the end."
"We can't have anyone rushing off and making the situation worse. We all stick together." Yusuke added.
"If only we could do something about that stupid bank..." Ryuji pouted.
"Bank?" Makoto and Haru asked at the sametime.
Morgana turned his attention to everyone but Makoto. "Oh right! The bank! This might have been the best outcome we could have gotten! They can be our key into the Palace!"
"Our key in?" Ann asked, glancing back over at Makoto and Haru with a confused look "What do you mean?"
"Are... Are you guys talking to the cat?" Makoto asked carefully. "Are you all okay?"
"Wait! Is the story real! Can Morgana talk!" Haru asked excitedly while Makoto sweatdropped.
"I really don't think that'd be true."
"We've become Kaneshiro's targets. That means we've become customers of Kaneshiro's bank!" Morgana continued.
"I see..." Yusuke said, nodding his head. "The reason why we couldn't enter before was because we weren't considered his customers..."
"And wouldn't you say that these two are special customers? I mean Kaneshiro stopped draining Haru after recognising her and he made sure to memorise Makoto's number!" Morgana continued. "Let's take them with us, I bet that'll get us in."
"Whoa... I don't follow this at all..." Ryuji admitted, rubbing his head.
"She risked her life doing something so reckless. At the very least, she has the right to know." Yusuke continued, ignoring Makoto's question.
"The right to know what?" Makoto and Haru asked, as Ren took out his phone.
"Heh, remember that story I told you?" Ren smirked.
"No…" "YES!"
BEGINNING NAVIGATION
Shibuya Palace
Third person P.O.V.
"A-A Canine?!" Makoto gasped, as the first thing she saw was Fox in his Metaverse outfit.
"A Fox actua-wah!" He yelped, as Haru quickly rushed towards Yusuke.
"Wow! It's all real! Amamiya-kun's story was all real! Your outfits look amazing" Haru excitedly squealed looking at everyone's costumes.
"Wait, hang on, hang on so let me get this straight." Makoto stutters, stepping back.
"Amamiya" "Call me Joker" "Takamaki" "It's Panther" "Sakamoto" "Name's Skull" "And Kitagawa" "You can call me Fox."
"Be quiet. The Shadows are going to notice us." Mona chided, walking up to Makoto.
"A-A monster cat!"
"I'm not a ca-woah!" Mona yelped, before Haru rushed in and hugged the not-cat.
"AH! Mona-chan! You really can talk! And you're so cute too! AAAHHH! I could hug you all day!" Haru squealed, hugging Mona tightly.
"H-HEY! LET GO! C-CAN'T BREATHE!"
"S-So, if everything you told us is true then…" Makoto realised looking around.
"This world is basically Kaneshiro's mind, a world that is how he sees Shibuya." Joker explained, pacing around.
"So... This is how Kaneshiro sees the world around him?" Haru asked, looking around.
"Essentially, yes." Fox nodded, crossing his arms.
Makoto looked behind the group and saw a bunch of ATMs walking around. "So that would mean that these Walking ATM's are how he's people?"
"Correctamundo" Panther grinned, with a thumbs up.
"So... Are there walking ATM versions of us now?" Haru asked, turning her head.
"Probably... Not that we'd be able to tell." Skull shrugged, "Ya know, because they don't exactly have faces."
"And you all have the ability to access this place?" Makoto asked, crossing her arms.
"Well Mona and I do" Joker explained, surprising Makoto and Haru "You don't remember?"
"You were talking for a very long time," Makoto admitted, making Joker snicker.
"Fair enough" he grinned "Basically, on my first day in Shujin this mysterious app appeared on my phone called the Metanav that lets me transport us into these Palaces. Mona can also take people into the Palace on his own because we found him there, though it does take a lot out of him."
"Okay, but why did you bring us here?" Haru asked, as they all pointed behind her and Makoto.
"Because of that."
"Huh?" They questioned, turning around "EEEEEEEEHHHHHHHH?!"
"It... It's floating! It's actually floating in the air! This is reality here!? My goodness…" Haru blinked, covering her mouth.
"I don't know what I was expecting when the Phantom Thieves said that they stole hearts, but I was not expecting all this." Makoto sweatdropped "But this still doesn't explain our questions."
"Right, well we should probably give you the Tutorial about the whole changing heart thing" Skull admitted, rubbing his head.
The group then sat down in one of the cafes outside of one of the buildings filled to the brim with cash.
"I see…so the act of Changing one's heart is essentially forcing them to feel all the repressed emotions the Palace has made then ignore" Makoto muttered "That would explain the way they reacted."
"So what you said was true, you do make them feel really really guilty" Haru giggled.
"And since in his mind you two are important customers, with you guy's help then we can steal his treasure and force him to have a change of heart…if things go well of course" Mona stated.
"Heh, we'll make it go well" Skull grinned, punching his palm "Everyone will have to notice us if we take down someone that not even the Police could."
"This will also allow our Justice to become Resolute" Fox nodded.
"And then we can give courage to those in need as well!" Panther smiled.
"For the sake of those in need huh…heh, you sound like my father" Makoto smiled.
"What was that?" Joker asked.
"Don't mind me." Makoto shook her head, before looking over at Haru "What do you think?"
"Let's do it Mako-chan! I really wanna stop him."
"Then we are in agreement" Makoto smiled, as the two stood up.
"Only one way to find out" Joker told them Haru and Makoto walked past everyone else and started walking towards the bank.
Everyone watched in shock as a bridge made of money connected the top of the bank to the ground by Makoto's feet. "No way... It actually came to us..."
"Just as I calculated." Mona smirked
Everyone followed Makoto and Haru up to the bank, which was at the top of the floating platform.
"You know how you can use your card to get into banks after hours? I thought we'd be able to get in since we have the same identity as such customers…"
"You know, except we're not shaped like ATMs. We're his source of revenue, after all." Haru smiled, with a peace sign
"That makes sense." Yusuke said, nodding his head and crossing his arms before they arrived at the Bank which was a huge building with large piles of cash laying around the place even replacing the leaves on the tree's.
"Wow, this place is huge." Ann muttered.
"I rarely have to go to the bank, so... This makes me kinda nervous." Ryuji commented.
"You two should stay behind us for now" Joker said, as Makoto and Haru looked to him "Don't forget about those Shadow monsters I told you about."
"Oh! Don't worry Ama- Joker, I'm holding our own with the Quirks" Haru smiled.
"You really only listened to half my story didn't you?" Joker sighed, crossing his arms.
"This place has a Quirk dampening effect that weakens a person's Quirk the longer they stay here until they can no longer use it anymore" Mona explained "That's why we have our Persona's, which is our rebellious spirit taken form that let's fight back against the Shadows."
"How powerful are these Shadows?" Makoto asked, clutching her chin.
"Remember when we all fought those U.A. students?" Joker asked, as they nodded "Depending on the Shadow, Stronger…way Stronger…"
"Stronger U.A. students! Incredible" Haru gasped "Well, is there anyway we can get Persona's."
"Well of course, but that just depends on if you can awaken your rebellious spirit." Mona told them.
"How do we know when that's happening?" Makoto asked with a raised eyebrow.
"You get like the worst headache you've ever gotten! Like an explosion is trying to escape out of your head." Skull explained, remembering his own awakening.
"Then you will begin to hear a voice, that voice of your rebellious spirit telling you to accept your new path" Fox told them with a smile.
"Finally one of these mask's will appear on your face and you'll have to pull it off, but for the first time it's like pulling off your own face." Panther described.
"W-Wow…" Makoto and Haru sweatdropped.
"You guys aren't getting second thoughts are you?" Joker asked, with a smirk.
"O-Of course not!" "We are doing this, no matter what."
"Heh, good…let's do this" Joker smirked, pulling his glove as they made their way towards the Bank.
"What business do you have here!" Some security guard shadows yelled, running up to the group as they walked inside of the Bank.
"T-Those are Shadows…" Haru muttered, looking at the creature "They're a lot more normal looking than I expected…"
"Come at us-" "Woah! Woah! Wait!" Joker yelled, stopping Makoto before looking over at the Shadow's "These two are customers of Kaneshiro."
"They are? Heh, funny. Who are the brats that Kaneshiro is working with?" The Shadows asked.
"Niijima Makoto." "Okumura Haru."
"Those name's are familiar, but you can't get through without an appointment."
"Let them pass." The voice of Kaneshiro's Shadow echoed through the building.
"Tch, fine. Follow us" The Shadows told them, guiding the group through the bank into a room behind the front desk.
"Holy crap?!" Skull gawked, as in the room was a large pile of money on the table "That is one mouth watering sum of money!"
"Is it?" Haru asked, turning her head while Makoto examined it.
"Better question is, why is it here?"
"Unauthorized entry, property damage, assault guards, disturbing the peace and many other annoyances" They heard, as they turned to the TV in the room "All of this comes up to about 10 million yen, you're here because of the, Miss President and Miss Princess."
The TV then flashed on revealing Kaneshiro's Shadow who had Purple skin, a moustache and a white suit instead of his usual clothes.
"It must be quite tough gathering so much money, I'd be happy to offer you a loan though." Shadow Kaneshiro told them.
"Wait! So you're calling it off then" Skull smiled, making Shadow Kaneshiro snicker.
"No idiot, a loan. With an interest rate of 10 percent a day."
"A 10 million yen loan that goes right back to you, while adding about…uuuuhhhh" "Around 855000 yen" Makoto finished Joker's comment.
"There's no need to be alarmed. I have a more manageable option for people like you." Kaneshiro continued. "Especially since you have such a…wealthy friend."
"I see, you jacked up the price the moment you got sight of Haru" Makoto realised "Planning on having her father constantly funding you is it."
"That was your plan from the beginning, wasn't it?" Haru yelled, pointing at Kaneshiro.
"Quite the impressive insight, Okumura-san and of course you two President Niijima... Or should I say, the younger sister of the beautiful prosecutor Sae Niijima?" Shadow Kaneshiro asked, Makoto's eyes going wide.
"How do you know that!?"
"Please don't underestimate our intelligence network." Shadow Kaneshiro said bluntly. "My, what wonderful goods have come falling into my lap."
"Don't be ridiculous!" Panther yelled, glaring at the screen.
"Young women are such great assets. They lack strength, be it social, physical, or mental. It's as if they only exist to be devoured by the strong. That just might be the rule since the dawn of history."
"You truly are despicable." Fox growled, glaring at Shadow Kaneshiro
"You better be ready, Kaneshiro! We're gonna snatch your Treasure from you!" Ryuji said angrily.
"Don't make me laugh, you petty thieves. My citadel has the highest security installed in it." Shadow Kaneshiro grinned before snapping his fingers.
Shadows appeared in the room in purple and black smoke "Anyone will do anything for money. I'll rob you from your lives as easily as I breathe air."
"Makoto! Haru! Get back!" Joker yelled, as the Shadows transformed into several large Oni like Shadows.
Joker then shot his Hookshot and shot himself into one of the Oni Shadows knocking them into the Hallway.
The Oni roared, as it swung its club towards him but before he could hit Joker, Skull rushed in and blocked the attack.
"I got you back Joker!" Skull yelled, before kicking the Oni back and swinging the bat right at the monster's face.
"Heh, thanks Skull!" Joker grinned, before ripping off his mask "Come! Matador!"
The mask then burst into flames, forming into the large Skeletal bullfighter which rushed towards the Oni.
Matador thrusted his sword towards the Oni who managed to block the attack before swinging its weapon sending Matador flying back.
"Crap! Fine, then how about this!" Skull yelled, as he ripped his own mask which burst into flames "Show him what we can do Captain!"
"Hahahaha! Finally! It's been too long!" Captain Kidd laughed, before blasting a powerful bolt of electricity at the Oni stunning him.
"Nice one! Skull, Kidd!" Joker smirked, before pulling out his gun and firing a few rounds at the Oni causing it to fall to the ground.
"Your time to finish it off! Arsene!" Joker yelled, summoning his signature Persona by ripping off his mask.
With a gentlemanly laugh, Arsene charged up a dark energy in his hand and slammed his palm into the ground which shot a energy under the Oni before bursting out killing the Shadow "Fufufu, too easy~"
Over with the others, Fox was clashing blades with another Oni's weapon "Tch, this one's difficult."
"Then let me help! Carmen!" Panther said, landing behind her before ripping off her mask to summon her Persona.
"Hmm, difficult little boy's like you need to be punished!" Carmen grinned, whipping the monster with her whip.
"Excellent as ever, Panther. Carmen." Fox smiled, jumping onto the table "Time to show you excellence too! GOEMON!"
"Wahahaha! I thought you'd never bring me out!" Goemon laughed, blowing a freezing breath that trapped the Oni in a block of ice.
Goemon then landed next Carmen and readied his blade "Allow me, my lady~"
"Heh please, I can handle a frozen pig like that" Carmen smirked, before both Persona's struck the Ice block with their weapon shattering it into pieces.
"TAKE THIS!" Mona yelled, jumping up and swinging his sword which clashed against a Purple Oni's blade.
"Zorro! NOW!" Mona yelled, summoning the Persona which swung it's blade knocking the Oni into the air with a powerful gust of wind,
"Hahaha! You'll have to do better than that!" Zorro grinned, before delivering a power punch which sent the Oni crashing into the wall.
Everyone's else's Persona's then rushed towards the Oni as they all threw powerful blasts finishing the final Shadow off.
"Phew! We finally did it" Skull sighed, as the Persona's turned into flames and returned to their faces in the forms of masks.
"Wow, all of you were so amazing!" Haru smiled, running up to them.
"I can't believe you were able to do all of that," Makoto gulped, walking over to them.
"Thanks later, we gotta go now!" Joker told them, as they made their way out of the bank.
However as they were about to reach the door, the mark on Haru's shoulder began glowing.
"AAAAAAHHHHH!" She screamed, losing the strength to stand before she was caught by a Shadow.
"Haru!" Makoto gasped, turning to her friend in the clutches of a Shadow before more Shadow guards began appearing around them.
"No! There's no end to them!" Panther frowned, as they looked at the guards
"You all seem to be in quite the pickle" They heard, looking over at Shadow Kaneshiro walking towards them.
"Give Haru back you coward!" Mona yelled, glaring at Shadow Kaneshiro.
"And why would I give such a valuable asset to petty Thieves like you?" Shadow Kaneshiro questioned. "However, I do thank you for providing me with such wonderful goods."
"As for the rest of you, it's time for you all to disappear" he scoffed, before snapping his fingers as even more Shadow Guards came out.
"Managing a bank is tough enough as is. So it's my policy to kill clients who are more trouble than they're worth." Shadow Kaneshiro explained "Having a couple impertinent brats disappear is enough to set an example in that other world."
"Please stop!" Makoto begged as she took a step forward "I was the one who dragged them all into this! Take me, not them!"
"Oh, I wouldn't dream of damaging an asset like you. They're dead men walking, but you'll be just fine." Kaneshiro promised. "You may not be as rich as your friend here but your sister is quite a beauty. I'll make sure you make her my personal slave. Once I get bored, I'll just sell her off."
"Oh, poor Sis, she could've been successful, if only her younger sister wasn't so dumb." Shadow Kaneshiro laughed.
"My sister has nothing to do with this!" Makoto argued back.
"And to think, the daughter of that Old Man who stuck his nose too far into other people's business would become my little plaything! Hilarious!" Shadow Kaneshiro laughed, making Makoto's eyes widened.
"W-What?"
"Oh? Big sis didn't tell you?" He asked "Your father was going undercover back when I was just starting out in my enterprise, informing a certain Vigilante when our deals would go down so he could put a stop to them. But he got in too deep and I eventually figured it out. So I had to take care of him."
"No way…" Makoto muttered looking down on the ground "Father…"
"So if you don't wanna end up like poor daddy dearest, you better start taking customers tomorrow. All you gotta do is endure it and do as you're told."
"Endure it... Do as I'm told..." Makoto muttered, her voice teetering onto pure rage.
"You'll make three million yen in no time. Although, your life and everything along with it will be a complete wreck by then!" Kaneshiro cackled with a sick form of glee.
"I have been listening to you go on and on…" Makoto muttered, before she clenched her fist
Shut your damn mouth you money grubbing asshole!" Makoto screamed, as she stomped her feet leaving huge cracks on the floor. "I am sick and tired of people telling me to just do what I'm told and to endure it! Not anymore!"
"Huh?" Kaneshiro asked, not expecting that before everything began shaking.
"Have you decided to tread the path of strife?"
"Yes! Come to me!" Makoto gasped, before her eyes flashed yellow and she grabbed her head with everything around her shaking.
"Very well then, let us proceed with our contract at once."
"W-What's going on!" Panther stuttered.
"I-I can barely move!" Fox grunted, as his legs felt like they were made of cement blocks.
"It's her Quirk! It's going out of control! But even here?" Joker gasped, looking at Makoto who was writhing in pain. "How powerful is it!"
"I am thou, Thou art I… you have finally found your own justice…please…never lose sight of it again."
"RAH!" She screamed, slamming her foot again causing a powerful gravity wave that pushed everyone to the ground as a mask materialized on Makoto's face.
"This memorable day marks your graduation from your false self…"
"Gggh, guh…RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!" Makoto tore off her mask as her face started bleeding, a column of blue fire erupting around her.
"W-What the hell!?" Shadow Kaneshiro yelled, as everyone was blinded by the bright light.
When the light died down, Makoto's was in a new outfit which consists of a two-toned (dark blue and black) skin tight suit that is worn with a long black scarf, a dark gray corset-style leather breastplate, shoulder and knee pads with spikes mixed with boots that sport metal heels and toes, white gloves and an iron mask. Under Makoto was a large, partially see-through motorcycle with a face, which she revved as she glared down Shadow Kaneshiro.
(Play Don't lose your mind from Kamen Rider Drive)
"W-What in the world is that! I've never seen anything like it!" Morgana gawked.
"Is that…a Person?" Fox questioned, now finally able to pull himself back up.
"No dude…that's a bike" Skull corrected, also managing to get up.
"THAT IS SO COOL!" Joker grinned, easily hoping back up while the others sweatdropped.
"I can feel it… my self…my true self…me!" Makoto muttered, marveling at this new power she awakened before turning to the large group of Shadow's in front of her.
"GUN IT!"
Revving her bike, Makoto drove towards the Shadow Guards before drifting creating large energy waves that one shot a large number of them.
"W-W-Wha!" Shadow Kaneshiro gulped, before growling and snapping his fingers "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR! KILL THEM OR I'LL KILL YOU!"
All of the Shadows then rushed towards the Thieves while bursting into their monster's forms.
"I will never lose heart again! I'm going to full force non stop! So let's go Full Throttle right Johana!" Makoto yelled, as she drove towards the Shadows.
A Sui-ki shadow jumped down and swung its weapon at Makoto who drove away before Johanna jumped into the air.
"Take this!" Makoto yelled, grinding into the Shadow's eyes with her bike's wheel.
With that momentum, she managed to bounce her bike off of two more Oni's heads before landing on the ground and skidding to a stop.
"Wow!" Skull gawked, watching Makoto in action as she looked up.
"Behind you!" She yelled, allowing Skull to spin around and block an attack from another Oni Shadow.
"Thank you Senpai!" Panther thanked, as she struck the Oni with her Whip knocking it back.
Makoto then turned over at Joker and Fox "More are coming at your right you two!"
"Right!" "Understood!" They nodded, jumping into the air to dodge their attacks before summoning their Persona to fire back.
"Heh, thanks for the save" Skull smirked, looking back at Makoto who glanced at him.
"You're welcome, but don't relax yet!" She told him as more Shadow's came rushing in.
"Hahahaha! Have fun, I have more than enough money to pay them to finish you!" Kaneshiro grinned, as she ran off along with the Shadow carrying Haru.
"Haru…" Makoto muttered, as Joker patted her shoulder.
"We'll get her back, I promise" he told her before looking back. "You guys focus, keep them busy and make an opening for us to go and save Haru, after that get out of here."
"W-What!" The others gawked.
"Joker, are you sure about this" Fox asked, while Joker smirked.
"Nope, not at all. This is plenty dangerous, so we'll have to be Quick" Joker explained "I promise the moment we get Haru I'll use the Metanav! So come on."
The others looked at each other before Skull sighed "Guess there's really not stopping you when you get like this. Fine, but you better come back, Leader."
Ren smirked as he looked at Skull "I plan too, now come on!"
"Freeze them in place! Goemon!" Fox declared, ripping his mask off to summon his Persona who blasted a freezing blast that froze a large group of Shadow's.
"You too Carmen! You need to put them to sleep!" Panther yelled, ripping off her own mask to summon her Persona which blasted a sleeping gas that knocked the Shadows out.
"Yosh! Smash them to piece's CAPTAIN KIDD!" "We gotta impress Lady Ann! So go all out, ZORRO!" They both yelled at the same time, as both Persona's rushed in and finished the Shadow's off.
"Now's our chance! Get on!" Makoto yelled, as Joker jumped on the back of Johanna.
VROOM!
Revving her bike, Makoto drove towards the left side of the building where they found an elevator guarded by Shadows.
"Knock them out and smash the door down! SHIKI-OUJI!" Joker yelled, ripping his mask off to summon the Origami Warrior which rushed towards the Shadow.
Knocking both Shadow's away, Shiki-Ouji threw and forced the Elevator door open allowing Joker and Makoto to jump inside and to a nearby vent.
After getting out of the vent the two found themselves on the lower floor as they made their way through the hallway "He couldn't have gone too far, so it's best to be quiet."
"Yeah, good idea" Makoto nodded, as they were about to sneak their way through the Palace but then.
BOOOOOOOMMMMM!
"The hell?" Joker blinked, at the sudden sound of an explosion.
"Oh no! Haru!" Makoto gasped, throwing off her mask to summon her Persona and drive down the hallway.
"Wait!" Joker yelled, shooting his Hookshot to follow her.
Bursting through the door, Makoto skidded to a stop as she looked up "Haru, we're here to-HUH?!"
"What the hell?!" Joker blinked, as he landed on the ground and looked around.
The entire room was destroyed, with bullet holes all over the wall with dissolving Shadow's and in the middle at the bottom was Haru in her own Thief outfit with Kaneshiro in front of him.
Her outfit consists of a dark purple cavalier hat with a feather plume tucked into a royal purple hatband, a long-sleeved pale pink blouse with a white neck jabot (held there by a red gem pin), a black corset vest with gold buttons, bloomers that match her hatband, black pantyhose, a holster belt carrying ammo and lace-up pumps. Her mask and gloves are black and violet, respectively.
"Hah…hah…you little…" Kaneshiro growled, before he spotted Joker and Makoto "Shit!"
He then turned around and ran towards another Elevator, but not before dropping a booklet.
"Haru!" Makoto yelled, running towards her friend with Joker behind her.
"Mako…chan…" Haru muttered, before falling towards the ground and being caught by Joker.
"How is she?" Makoto asked, looking worried.
"She's fine, looks like she's just exhausted" Joker told her "Awakening a Persona and having her energy drain will do that."
"Well thank goodness she's okay…huh?" Makoto blinked, picking up the booklet Kaneshiro dropped.
"Come on, we should go." Joker told her while carrying Haru in a Bridal stance and Makoto nodded as they began making their way to the entrance.
But as they did, Joker couldn't help but look down at Haru's mask.
'...A Black Mask…?'
Done! Finally done this long as fuck chapter! I honestly cannot believe this only took me two days cause jesus christ.
But hey, I actually managed to do it and introduce Haru's Phantom Thief form in an interesting way. Seriously I was surprised just how easily I managed to fit her into this.
Not only that but we also got a bit more about Haru's father then in the original game and you might be wondering who that Vigilante Kaneshiro mentioned was.
Well you'll just have to wait, but for now onto the reviews.
Vein. Bloodborne: You know it
Shadow Joestar: You'll be finding out what happened right after this arc, so just wait
Guest: Thanks
Gamerlover41592: Thanks
Beatles211: Yup, that is certainly what happened during the last chapter…once again.
Anyway, with that said. Don't forget to review and favourite this story and of course.
See you next chapter