Kyoko was sitting by herself on the school roof. She looked outwards, past the chain link fence at the quiet town. Her bento sat next to her, unopened. She was deep in thought about not just the entire case, but what had happened last night.

"Yo, Kyoko."

She looked up to see Yosuke waving as he walked over.

"Hello, Yosuke." She said.

"Mind telling me what you're doing up here?" He asked. "Thought you'd have lunch with Chie and Yukiko."

"It's nothing, I was just thinking to myself." She said. "You're welcome to join me if you wish."

Yosuke sat down next to her. "What were you thinking about? Wait, let me guess, it's the case."

"Well, partially that." Kyoko said. "Though something else was bothering me."

"You want to tell me or keep it to yourself?" He asked.

She looked at Yosuke, her partner in this whole investigation. She knew she could trust him.

"Remember when Nanako and I bought the pickled radish yesterday?" She asked.

"Yeah." He recalled. "Was kinda surprised to see you two there that late. That discount came out of my paycheck though..."

"When we got back, my uncle scolded Nanako for going out late." Kyoko said. "But what puzzles me is that while my uncle was in the right, Nanako's reaction implied the opposite."

"So a small family argument?" He said.

Kyoko nodded. "I've never handled something like this before, and I'm worried if something went wrong."

"Wait, never?" Yosuke said. "Your parents never got mad at you?"

"...I was raised by my grandfather, and I never upset him." She said. "My father left us soon after my mother died. I was too young to remember either of them well."

"O-Oh…" He said quietly . "I'm sorry, Kyoko."

"I met my father again when I enrolled in Hope's Peak, but… because of everything that had happened, I talk to him less like a parent, and more as an acquaintance."

Yosuke was stunned by all this. He knew that Kyoko had a tough detective life, but hearing all these family problems was something else.

"That's why I'm worried." Kyoko said. "I can't help but imagine Nanako becoming like me. Having a fractured relationship with her father…"

"Hey." Yosuke said. "I know how you feel, but you shouldn't be worried."

"Why?" She asked.

"That's how most families are." Yosuke said. "We get mad at each other, but we still love each other at the end of the day. Your uncle's already raised Nanako for several years by himself. I can't imagine that this is the first time this has happened. I bet you can walk back in, and it'll be like nothing's happened. And if it does come up again, they'll all have cooled off their heads enough to tackle things better."

Kyoko looked out at Inaba again. The view seemed brighter than before.

"So anyways, you gonna eat or what?" He asked, looking at her unopened bento.

"Ah, right." She said, opening the box.

"Yo… yakiniku bento?" He said, eyeing the meat.

"Do you want some?" She asked. "I made this myself, but I ended up using too many ingredients."

"You made this?" He said, as he took a piece. Popping it into his mouth, he chewed before swallowing. "Wow, this is sooo good! Chie would kill to eat something like this."

"It's nothing much." She said, slightly blushing. "I ran out of salt and had to use soy sauce instead."

"So you added your own spin to it. I say it worked out well!" He said with a wink. "And you can cook? That's impressive. I can only really boil eggs, myself."

"I just followed what I was taught by the Ultimate Chef." Kyoko said.

"Well, send my regards to the chef. That chef being you!" Yosuke laughed.

Kyoko made a mental note to herself to be a little less harsh to Teruteru the next time they meet.

After school, Kyoko found herself at the Junes food court with Yukiko. She had accompanied the girl on her shopping trip, and they were sitting down to check things out.

"Ummm, notebooks, three colors of pens, a loose-leaf folder, labels at the stationary department…" Yukiko said, going over her list. "Then the furniture department. I want to look at the desks. That and the lamps…"

"What's all this for?" Kyoko asked, with a bit of caution in her voice.

Yukiko giggled, surprisingly full of energy. "Studying! I'm thinking of studying seriously for a job license. Though, I haven't decided on exactly which one I'll pursue. But I was thinking of trying for all the ones I think I can earn."

Kyoko raised an eyebrow at that, remembering a certain student from Hope's Peak that once tried desperately to try everything he could to become an Ultimate.

"I've started working at night, you see. Remember the job you told me about?" She said. "Thanks to that, I have some money…"

But before Yukiko could continue to explain, a few men in suits walked up.

"Huh? Well, if it isn't the manager of the Amagi Inn." One of them said. "Or should I say, manager-to-be."

Yukiko sighed, giving them a cold stare. "I see you haven't gone home yet."

"Well, I can't very well go anywhere until the next bus or train departs. This really is the boonies." The man said. "Stuck here with nothing to do… Man, the countryside is in the dumps."

Kyoko was about to step in, but her judgement told her to let Yukiko handle this.

"I beg to differ." Yukiko said.

"Turning down sweet deals is part of the country life, too, is it?" He said, before laughing and walking off with his cohorts.

Yukiko let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding in, before looking at Kyoko.

"I'm sorry." She apologized.

"What for?"

"Those people are from some TV station. They wanted to cover the Amagi Inn." Yukiko explained.

"Ah." Kyoko understood. "And you said no, I'm assuming?"

"I did." Yukiko nodded, a bit embarrassed. "It's a "news of the weird" show. It's not real journalism."

"I'm going to guess that they weren't attracted by the Inn's history, but rather the murder of Mayumi Yamano?" Kyoko said.

Yukiko nodded. "They want to make a special called, "Hot Springs Getting Too Hot for the Amagis!?" It was an abhorrent title. Mother turned them away."

She looked away for a moment, an oddly bitter expression on her face.

"But maybe she shouldn't have declined…" She said.

"What?" Kyoko looked quite surprised at this.

"I mean… If it gets a bad reputation… We'd lose customers, and the Inn really would close its doors. Then…" She sighed. "I'd feel better about leaving."

Kyoko's brow creased, and she asked a question she had been saving for a while. "Are you serious?"

"I'm serious…" Yukiko said, yet her tone of voice seemed unsure. "But you're right, there's no real point in saying things like that."

"But I didn't say anything-"

"I'm leaving under my own power… My life is in my own hands now." Yukiko said, before smiling. "And of course, I want to help everyone. You too, for being such a patient listener all the time."

Kyoko sighed a bit, but could feel Yukiko's iron will and determination, understanding her more. She decided to save the chat for a later date, as she felt her bond with Yukiko grow.

"Well, let's go shopping." Yukiko said. "First is the stationary department…"

Kyoko helped Yukiko with her shopping, picking up a few things for herself, before heading home. But right before she could walk in the door, she saw Dojima and Nanako already out with their coats on.

"Oh, hey Kyoko." Dojima said. "I was taking Nanako to Junes. You wanna come along?"

Looking at Nanako's pleading eyes which she couldn't say no to, she nodded. "Let me just put my bag away first."

"Every day's great at your Junes~!" Nanako sang happily as they walked down the produce aisle.

"She's certainly happier." Kyoko noted.

"Mm. She always lights up whenever we come here." Dojima said.

"Uncle…" Kyoko lowered her voice so Nanako couldn't hear her. "About what happened…"

"I know, Kyoko." Dojima sighed. "I don't lash out at Nanako like that normally, and I didn't know where she went-"

"It was my mistake." Kyoko said. "I should have called you in advance or left a note. A common blunder…"

"No, you're fine." Dojima said. "If anything, I'll be less harsh next time."

Kyoko wanted to say something about her own father, but Nanako spoke up before she could say anything.

"Do you want something, big sis?" Nanako asked.

Dojima seemed grateful for the distraction.

"Go ahead and get whatever you want, but make it quick." Dojima said.

Looking around Kyoko decided to grab some coffee beans imported from overseas. It was the last bag, so why not? Who knew when an opportunity would rise like this again. Putting it into the cart, she looked at Nanako, who had a bit of an uncomfortable expression on her face

"Dad… I need to go to the bathroom." Nanako said to her father.

"Mm? Alright." He said, before turning to Kyoko. "I'll go with Nanako to the bathroom, so you wait here with our things."

Kyoko nodded as they walked off. She kept one hand on the cart, briefly wondering if there was anything else they should get, before she heard familiar voices.

Looking down the aisle, she saw Yukiko, Chie with her. Looks like she wasn't the only one that made a return trip to Junes. Judging from Yukiko's attire, she was on an errand for her inn. They didn't notice her as they talked amongst themselves.

"Man, you really look great in a kimono, Yukiko." Chie said. "The long, black hair is perfect for it. It's like, those two things together add up to something really special. I can see why guys fall for you so easily."

"Come on, you're overestimating me." Yukiko said. "You have a lot of strong points that people like about you too, Chie."

"Really?! Like...?" Chie asked.

"Your jumping skills!"

Kyoko wondered if falling over in exasperation wasn't limited to just fiction.

"And how you can eat almost anything!" Yukiko continued.

Definitely considering testing the theory.

"Huh? What was that face about?" Yukiko asked. "I'm really jealous of that?"

Chie ran off, Yukiko right behind her. Kyoko sighed as Nanako and Dojima came back. Was it really possible for someone to be that ignorant or clueless?

Kyoko looked out the window and saw the rain falling. She was still relieved that they had managed to save Kanji before it came.

"Did you put the laundry back in?" Kyoko asked Nanako, while looking through the fridge to get a drink.

"Yeah." Nanako said, looking up from the TV. She noticed Kyoko had opened a carton of milk. "Wait, big sis!"

Nanako winced, watching Kyoko spit the rather viscous milk out into the sink. It was halfway to yogurt.

"Is this... expired?" Kyoko asked, wiping her mouth.

"Sorry." Nanako apologized. "Sometimes Dad forgets about stuff like that… but it was pretty brave that you drank it without hesitating!"

Kyoko hid a retch behind her fist. The texture of expired milk wasn't quite settling with her. "I'm… I'm going to turn in early."

The rain was still pouring heavily the next day. Kyoko was staring out at it through the kitchen window, when Dojima spoke up.

"Did the rain spoil your plans today or something?" Dojima asked her.

"No, nothing of the sort." Kyoko said.

"Well, I suppose the rain can cause some gloom." Dojima said. "Erm, want to sit down and chat?"

Kyoko looked out the window one last time, before sitting down at the table with him. Dojima was silent, before Kyoko gestured for him to start.

"Well, I heard something at the station the other day." He said. "About… well… I heard you guys hang out at Junes quite often."

Kyoko raised her brow. "Is… that an issue?"

"Nothing wrong with that, of course." Dojima reassured her. "The question is… why do you make so many trips to and from the electronics department?"

"Well, then I'll answer with a question of my own." Kyoko said. "Would you mind explaining to me why you have police reports of the daily activities of teenagers?"

It was Dojima's turn to raise his brow. The old man taught her through and through, huh?

"Daaaaaad…" Nanako said, walking up.

"Oh, er, this isn't what you think." Dojima said, trying to cover it up. "I'm not interrogating her…"

Nanako didn't seem to process that, thankfully. However, she still seemed a bit upset. "It's not fair. You always talk with big sis."

"What…?"

Nanako looked down. "I mean, today you're home, but…"

Dojima shook his head. "I always talk with you."

"When is "always"?" Nanako asked, her voice getting louder.

Kyoko watched as Nanako's truth bullet shattered Dojima's statement.

"I… I wanna… talk..." Nanako said, as she yawned.

Dojima sighed. "It's bedtime for you already. Go to sleep. I'll play with you… next time."

"...you promised." Nanako said, making sure she remembered his words as she walked upstairs to her bedroom.

Once she was upstairs, Dojima seemed to sag in his chair. ""When is always," huh?"

"Are you not good with kids?" Kyoko asked.

"No, it's not that." Dojima said. "I mean, I am bad with kids, but that's not the problem."

He had a bitter expression on his face, as she looked down.

"Truth is, I mostly left raising her up to my wife… her mother…"

Kyoko widened her eyes.

"So… I don't really know how to approach her." Dojima said, before looking out the window. "Plus, I'm not fit to be her family…"

"No, that's wrong." Kyoko argued. "Fit or not, you're family."

"...maybe you're right." He said, smiling wryly before turning back to her.

Kyoko wondered if she got through to him, but then came his next question.

"You think being related by blood makes you "family"?" He asked her. "That's not the case…"

"Uncle, that's not what I-"

"I know it's not what you meant." He said. "It's just… something personal I have to deal with."

Kyoko understood her uncle more, as she felt their bond deepen. Even though Dojima knows a lot better, it'd take time for him to come around.

"Sorry you had to hear all that." He said. "You should get some sleep."

"It's fine." Kyoko said, as she stood up to head to her room. "I do enjoy our talks. Good night, uncle."

"Night."

Midnight came soon enough. The fog had set in. Kyoko closed the blinds in her room, before walking up to the television.

The ethereal yellow glow lit up her entire room again, but once again, the screen turned up blank. The killer had been thwarted twice now.

But she still felt uneasy. Until the case was solved, she wouldn't be able to rest.

"Hey, how's this shirt? Don't you think it's a good color?" Chie asked.

Kyoko looked at the shirt that Chie was holding up. She and Yukiko had invited her to a shopping trip in Okina City, since they were in the clear with saving Kanji.

"It looks nice, but…" Kyoko raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that still green?"

During this trip, she had noticed that Chie and Yukiko's wardrobes almost always consisted of green and red, respectively.

"Whoa, you're right!" Chie said. "Why do I keep buying myself green clothes?"

"You didn't notice when you picked it up?" Kyoko asked.

"A-Anyways, what's your favorite color, Kyoko?" Chie asked. "I bet it's purple, right?"

"I… don't really have one." Kyoko admitted. "But I do suppose I often wear that color…"

"Hah! Hypocrite!"

"Hey, what do you think of this one?" Yukiko asked, holding up a crimson skirt. "Too mature for me?"

"I suppose it's an eye-catcher…" Kyoko said. "But it's also still red."

"So wearing a single color isn't in?" Yukiko asked. "I like to keep things simple. Perhaps I'll try exploring. Away with simplicity!"

"Why are you two asking for my opinion, anyways?" Kyoko asked.

"Well, duh." Chie said. "I mean, look at how cool you look!"

Kyoko was confused at the statement. "Cool? Me?"

"Your fashion is quite impeccable." Yukiko said. "Your white blouse and brown tie contrast your blazer, skirt and gloves quite nicely. It's a very unique mix."

"Buuut, since we're also gonna try a fashion change…" Chie said with a grin.

"H-Hold on!" Kyoko said, as Chie dragged her into the changing booth.

"Yukiko! Grab some stuff!" Chie said. "Let's see if the Ultimate Detective can be an Ultimate Fashion Model!"

"Ooh, that sounds fun." Yukiko said. "Alright, I'll be right back!"

"I didn't agree to this!" Kyoko nearly shouted.

Finally, Kanji had recovered and came back to school. He met up with the four of them on the school rooftop.

"H-Hi there!" He said politely, with a bit of nervousness in his voice.

Chie stifled a laugh, as did the others. "Snrk! Where did the manners come from?"

"Well um, I didn't know you guys were my senpai." He said, rubbing the back of his head. "Uh, thanks a bunch. Though, I don't really remember what happened..."

"That might prove to be a small issue." Kyoko said. "But this isn't the first time."

"There are some things we'd like you to tell us about." Yukiko said.

Kanji looked confused, but he nodded. "Ask away."

"First off, who was that boy you met with?" Chie asked.

"I really don't know much about him." Kanji admitted. "I mean, I've only met him twice."

"Yeah, but you walked home from school with him!" Chie said. "What did you guys talk about?"

"Uh, well… He just asked stuff like, if anything different happened lately." Kanji recalled. "I dunno where my head was at… When I came to my senses, I blurted out that I wanted to see him again."

"...to a guy." Chie said.

"I, uh… I don't really get it myself." Kanji said. "Girls are so loud and obnoxious, so, y'know… I really don't like dealing with 'em. Guys are a lot more laid-back."

While they understood what he meant, Kyoko, Chie and Yukiko couldn't help but feel a little offended.

"S-So, uh, I started thinking… What if I'm the type who never gets interested in girls?" Kanji said. "And I couldn't accept that, so I kept spinning around and around in my head…"

"Well, I can understand the part about feeling more relaxed around dudes." Yosuke said.

"Yosuke, the three of us are girls." Chie said. "Are you hiding something from us whenever we get together?"

"...no."

"How are you feeling?" Kyoko asked Kanji.

"I'm fine now." Kanji assured her. "I mean, it was all in my head, when y'get down to it. I was the one shutting out that stuff."

"Well, that's good to hear." Kyoko said.

"So uhh, our family's run a textile shop for generations… oh yeah, you already knew that." Kanji said. "My parents are kinda weird. They say stuff like, "Dyes are one with the universe," and "Cloth is alive…" That's the kinda house I grew up in. So I've been interested in seating and stuff since I was a kid. But the second I say stuff like that, people look at me funny… Girls make fun of me, the people inn the neighborhood treat me like I'm some zoo animal, so I was sick of everything. And when I got to my senses… I was running wild."

Kanji chuckled, scratching his head.

"Shit, what's with me today? I'm going on and on about myself. Forget all that. Man, I must look really lame right now."

"I disagree." Kyoko said. "I know quite a lot of people that went through the same thing."

"Really now?" Kanji said. "Haha, I've never talked about any of this stuff before. Guess I never had anyone to tell it to. I guess I wasn't really afraid of girls. I was just scared of people in general. But all that's behind me."

"Wow, I'm surprised." Chie said. "You're a good kid."

"N-Naw, don't call me a good kid." Kanji said, embarrassed.

"Hahaha, no need to get embarrassed." Yosuke laughed. "You're a big guy, you can take it."

"But getting back to business, is there anything you can recall after you ran into us the second time?" Kyoko asked.

"You know, after you chased us away and said you were gonna take us down." Yosuke added.

"Well, I went home." Kanji said, almost simply. "I was gonna sleep it off in my room… wait. I think someone came…"

That made the others all quite alarmed.

"To your house!? Who was it!?" Yosuke asked.

"Uh, well, it was just a feeling I had… I dunno if anyone actually came…"

While Yosuke and Chie looked disappointed, Kyoko was more understanding. "Anything else?"

"Other than that… I remember some weird, dark entrance thing…" Kanji recalled. "When I woke up, I was laid out on the floor of that sauna place."

"A dark entrance…" Yukiko said. "Could it have been a TV?"

"Huh?" Kanji pondered that for a moment. "Now that you mention it, maybe so. Uh, why do you ask?"

"Oh, no reason." Yukiko said. "I was just wondering."

"Did the police ask you anything?" Yosuke asked.

"Well, my mom had called the cops to look for me, so they questioned me for a while." Kanji said. "I told them exactly what I just told you… aaaand they looked at me like I was crazy."

The others shared a look, before Kanji spoke up.

"So, like… Are you guys playing detective or somethin'?"

"Mmm, well, something like that." Chie said.

"Though we do have an Ultimate Detective with us." Yukiko said, gesturing to Kyoko.

"Whoa, a real deal, huh?" Kanji said. "Anything I can do to help? If there's some bastard out there who put me through this, I ain't gonna rest until I make 'em pay."

"Seriously?" Yosuke asked. "Awesome! You'd make a great addition to our team! I was getting tired of being the only guy on the squad. Whaddaya say, Leader?"

"I'm not against Kanji joining us, but this isn't going to be easy." She said.

"Heh, don't worry, I ain't taking this lightly." Kanji said. "You guys saved my life… I've made up my mind to risk my life for you. I'll do my best!"

Kyoko smiled at seeing Kanji's determination. She felt the bond between the Investigation Team grow stronger.

"Well, if we're gonna welcome aboard a new member…" Yosuke said.

"Should we take him to our special headquarters?" Yukiko asked.

"We're still calling it that…?" Chie said.

"Wh-What's that!?" Kanji asked.

"It's… nothing really special." Kyoko sighed. "Just come with us."

They were walking on their way to Junes, before they were stopped.

"Hey! You!"

They turned to see Mondo Owada ride up to them, before stepping off his bike.

"There you are, Kanji Tatsumi!" Mondo shouted. "I've been looking all over for you!"

"Mondo." Kyoko said. "You shouldn't-"

Kanji held out an arm to Kyoko and the others, before giving them a look that said that he'd handle this.

"So who the hell are you?" Kanji asked.

"Name's Mondo Owada!" Mondo shouted. "And I got beef with you!"

"A lot of punks got beef with me." Kanji said. "So what's yours?"

"You were the one that single-handedly took out my boys!" Mondo declared. "And the Crazy Diamonds were short of a leader that night!"

"So you're the conductor for that circus?" Kanji asked. "That explains why it was damn easy to kick their asses."

"The Crazy Diamonds don't just let anyone off the hook like that." Mondo declared, before he shouldered a metal bat. "So you gotta pay up! We'll settle it like men!"

"I wouldn't have beaten your group of jackasses if they didn't bother the shit out of my mom!" Kanji shouted.

That caused Mondo to stop for a moment. "What? The hell are you talking about?"

"Your "boys" were driving up and down the road, making a racket!" Kanji shouted. "It was like an alarm clock that my mom couldn't turn off! So I did it for her!"

Mondo was silent, before he stepped forward, his eyes shadowed by his pompadour. Kanji went forward to meet him, and they were face to face, glaring into each other's eyes as they studied their foe.

"Oh crap…" Yosuke muttered. "Are they gonna-?"

Kyoko took a step. "Both of you, don't-!"

To all of their shock, Kanji and Mondo didn't start trading punches, but instead did a handshake.

"Sorry about that." Mondo said. "I gotta knock some sense into my boys."

"Don't worry, I did that for you." Kanji said. "I didn't want to, but they were getting on my mom's nerves."

"Uh… what?" Chie said.

"My boys and I will be out of town by tonight." Mondo said. "So your mom don't got to worry about it anymore."

"Good on that." Kanji said.

"Erm… what's going on?" Yukiko asked.

"I'm apologizing. Messing with someone's mom is the lowest thing." Mondo said, as he tossed his bat onto his bike. "I gotta keep a better leash on the gang."

"Well… that went far better than I hoped." Kyoko said, smiling.

"Yo, Kanji." Mondo held up his fist. "That was impressive that you managed to take out the entire gang by yourself with only your fists. I gotta give you respect, bro."

"Heh." Kanji returned the fistbump. "You ain't too shabby yourself."

"And Kyoko." Mondo turned to his former classmate. "You found yourself some good new pals to hang with when you're away from us. I wouldn't mind if they came to hang out with us at Hope's Peak sometime."

"I'll try to see if we can make plans on stopping by." Kyoko said, feeling a rekindling bond with her former classmate. "Give everyone my regards."

"I'll be sure to remember that one!" Mondo said, as he revved his engine. "Seeya, Kyoko!"

He rode off towards the highway, where the Crazy Diamonds were waiting for him.

"Um… what just happened?" Yosuke asked.

"We settled it like men." Kanji said.

"Despite his rather loud and rambunctious personality, Mondo can be quite civilized." Kyoko said, smiling.

"Yeah, he seems friendly, but still scary…" Chie said.

"He was pretty cool though." Yukiko said. "I really do hope we can meet more of your friends down the line."

"So do I." Kyoko said.

After their encounter with Mondo, the group had brought Kanji to their usual headquarters; the Junes food court.

"Man you eat a lot…" Yosuke commented, seeing that Kanji was giving Chie a run for her money with the meat dishes he was eating. "Were you listening to what we were saying?"

"Huh? Shurr, I waf lifnin'." He said, his mouth full of food.

"Dude, close your mouth!" Yosuke said.

Kanji swallowed the food, before speaking what he understood. "So someone's killing people with a TV? What, is he beating them to death?"

"That would make… an interesting case." Kyoko said. "I've seen odder though.

"Seriously…?" Chie said, though Kyoko didn't seem to be joking.

"No, they weren't being beaten with a TV!" Yosuke said. "Were you listening at all...?"

"Don't worry, he'll understand once he sees the place with his own eyes." Chie said. "But… the way it happened was just the same as with Yukiko… The killer kidnapped him first, then threw him into the TV."

"Yeah… It's scary." Yukiko said, shivering.

"That show's been pretty crazy lately, huh?"

They looked over at another table to see two students chatting about the Midnight Channel.

"Yeah. I keep wondering who'll show up next."

"I knew before it came on that he'd be the next one to appear."

"What's that dude's name? That first-year who used to be in a biker gang…"

"Who the hell d'you think was next?" Kanji loudly spoke up.

The two students stopped talking, as Kanji stood up and faced them.

"His name is Kanji Tatsumi. And he wasn't in a biker gang. He's the one who beat the shit out of those leathered-up pansies. And it wasn't just any old biker gang, it was the Crazy Diamonds! So who are you dipshits!?"

The two students scrambled away as fast as they could.

"Feh. Boring." Kanji said, as he sat back down.

"I can't stand it." Chie grumbled. "Sure, they have no idea it's related to the murders, but still. How can they talk about their schoolmate like that?"

"They're like onlookers at a car crash." Yosuke said. "As long as it's not happening to them, they're dying to see… Damn, this sucks… We don't even know who's gonna be targeted anymore."

Kyoko frowned. The pieces had shattered, but she was sure that she could put it back together. She just needed the right solution...

"This case disproved our assumption that all the victims are female…" Yukiko said.

"What was the other thing we thought they had in common?" Chie asked.

"People involved in the initial case, about Ms. Yamano, are the targets… How about that?" Yukiko said.

"I personally believe it still holds up." Kyoko said. "There are too many connections for it to be coincidental."

"Well, both Yukiko and Kanji-kun were involved in some way or another." Chie said.
"But that announcer was dealing with their mothers, not them." Yosuke reminded her.

"You guys sayin' you don't have any clues?" Kanji asked. "Well listen up, 'cause I got somethin' big."

Kanji pulled out something from his pocket and held it up to them. It was a slip of paper.

"What's that?" Yosuke asked.

"Okay, when I made my comeback at school today, there was an annoying brat hanging around." Kanji said. "Turns out he was snooping around about Senpai's and my disappearance, so I took this from him. I dunno what the hell this all is, though."

"Uh, and you took it anyway?" Chie asked.

"Normally I'm against this sort of evidence collection." Kyoko said, as Kanji handed her the slip. "But I'll make an exception."

She scanned the paper with expertise. Even though she wasn't saying anything, the others could practically feel her analytical mind get to work.

"There's a list here labeled as TV programs they've been tracking." Kyoko said. "Mayumi Yamani 4/11, Saki Konishi 4/13…"

"What are these dates?" Yosuke said, thinking. "April 11th…?"

"Oh, they found the first body on the day school started, so that would have been… the 12th." Chie spoke up. "The 11th is the day before that…"

"I know I can't forget the day Saki-senpai's body was found… That was the 15th." Yosuke said, a forlorn look on his face. "So then, what are these dates? And what does "List of TV programs" mean? What's "Saki Konishi, April 13th"?"

Kyoko recalled those dates, before it set in. I see it now… it was… "...the day she was on TV."

"I see… Yeah, there's no doubt about it." Yosuke said, his own puzzle coming together.

"Oh yeah, I saw that too." Chie said. "They were interviewing her 'cause she found the first body."

"Then this part… "Mayumi Yamano, April 11th." Is that the day she appeared on TV, too?" Yukiko asked.

"Oh, she was on!" Chie piped up. "I remember now! That was when the affair hit the news!"

"It's all coming together…" Kyoko said, as the others started to understand too.

"Hey, wait a sec… Yukiko, didn't you get interviewed too?" Yosuke asked. "When did that interview air!?"

"I-I think it was when I was absent from school. Um…" She turned to Kyoko. "It was the day after I met you at the embankment. I had my kimono on… do you remember?"

Kyoko nodded. "I believe you said you were on an errand."

"Right, I went shopping that day, so… April 15th!" Yukiko said. "And right after that, I was kidnapped."

"Kanji, what about the television special you were on!?" Yosuke asked.

"Oh yeah, that thing." Kanji groaned. "Damn show made my mom go apeshit on me and-"

"The date! Just tell us the date!"

"Uhh, I don't remember the exact date. But it wasn't too long before I met you guys." Kanji said.

"May 13th." Kyoko remembered. "My uncle recognized him."

"It's true then… Everyone was on TV before they disappeared." Yosuke said.

"So, you think the killer's targeting people he sees on TV…?" Chie said.

"I was so caught up with the news reports about the incidents that I didn't notice at all…" Yukiko said.

"This can't be a coincidence." Kyoko said, as the others nodded in agreement.

"Now that I think about it, when the killer failed with Yukiko, they moved to Kanji instead of trying again…" Yosuke said. "Maybe this "being on TV" thing is some stupid rule that the killer's following."

"That's right… The killer could've targeted the same victim again…" Chie said.

"There's a definite connection here between the kidnappings and the TV broadcasts." Yosuke said. "The victims weren't just involved with the first case. They were also shown on the mass media."

"That must be it…" Chie said.

"But if so… What's the motive?" Yosuke asked. "Why kill someone just because they were on TV?"

"I've mentioned it before, but you'd be surprised at how absurd the method of targeting can be." Kyoko said. "I've seen worse."

"Are you ever going to actually tell us these cases…?" Yukiko asked, curious.

"Dammit." Yosuke grumbled. "Now that I think about it, we haven't gotten anywhere! Why can't I be smarter like Kyoko!?"

"Dude, why beat yourself up? I think you guys are awesome." Kanji said, as they all looked up at him. "I mean, you guys noticed what was happening to me and even risked your lives to stop it. That's more than enough."

"You rescued me too." Yukiko added. "We may not have solved the mystery, but we've saved two people already."

"That's true, but…" Yosuke started.

"What's more, everyone's deduction that Kanji-kun might be next was right on the nose." Yukiko continued.

"I know! We were so close." Chie said.

"Huh? You knew before it happened?" Kanji said, impressed. "Damn, I wish you guys'd come a little earlier, then..."

The others laughed at his little joke.

"You shouldn't say that you want to be smart like me. It wouldn't change things." Kyoko said. "Sometimes, there's just not enough information for a definitive answer. You're doing perfectly fine already."

"Thanks, Kyoko." Yosuke said, smiling.

"Well, if we know this much, I think we can outsmart the killer next time. Then it's a countdown to their arrest." Chie said.

"And don't forget, it's always possible that Kanji-kun was the last target." Yukiko added.

"Or so we hope… We've thwarted them twice already. Here's hoping the killer's learned their lesson by now." Yosuke said. "Anyways, let's keep checking the Midnight Channel like usual when it rains."

"That reminds me." Chie said. "The school campout's next week. I hope it doesn't rain. It's for both the first-year and second-year students, so we'll see you there, Kanji-kun."

"Seriously? School, huh?" Kanji said. "What a drag… Yo, mind if I order another grilled steak? I'm gonna finish this one up while the next one's on the grill. We're going Dutch on the meal, right?"

"Well, let's get going." Chie said. "I think our new teammate needs to meet Mr. Bear."

"Huh? What's up?" Kanji asked. "Fine, whatever. I'll go for something cheap, like ramen. Wait, or should I get a takoyaki set…? Man, I can't decide."

"None of it." Yukiko bluntly stated.

"Whaaat!?"

Yosuke then noticed that Kyoko seemed to be in deep thought. "What's on your mind?"

"Well, I might have devised a plan to catch the killer." Kyoko said.

"What, really?" Chie asked.

"If he targets people that were on the TV, if I manage to arrange a televised interview of myself-"

"NO!"

Kyoko almost fell out of her chair at Yosuke and Chie's outburst.

"Please don't do something so reckless." Yukiko said, pinching the bridge of her nose. "And from a detective of all people…"

"Damn, Kyoko-senpai's got bigger balls than most dudes." Kanji said.

They had gone back to the electronics department, before taking Kanji with them to the TV World, where Teddie was waiting.

"Oh yeah..." Kanji was remembering as he looked at Teddie. "Now that you mention it, I kinda remember this thing. Didn't think it was a bear, though. ...Hey, why is it a bear?"

"Dunno." Yosuke said.

"Me neither. I've been wondering too." Teddie murmured.

"I-It's kinda cute…" Kanji said with a bit of a stutter. "M-Mind if I pet you?"

"No touching allowed, Mister." Teddie said.

"Wha-!? Hey, don't give me any lip, bear!" Kanji said.

"I understand your pain completely, Kanji…" Kyoko said under her breath.

"You say something, Kyoko?" Chie asked, as Kyoko pretended to cough.

"Uhh, but the way, I've been wondering." Kanji said, turning to Yukiko. "You were kidnapped too, right, Yukiko-senpai?"

"Huh? Yeah, it wasn't long before you." Yukiko said.

"So like, that means you came out to everyone too?" He asked.

"Th-That's… Um…" Yukiko was blushing.

"What was it like for Senpai-?"

SMACK

"Oh, sorry." Yukiko apologized. "I didn't mean to hit you so hard…"

"My jaw…" Kanji complained, surprised at the strength.

"I'll be more gentle next time." Yukiko reassured.

"More… gentle…?"

"There probably shouldn't be a next time, Yukiko." Kyoko said.

"What a pair of dimwits…" Chie muttered.

"Oh yeah! Here's a present from me, Kanji! It's to celebrate you joining the team!" Teddie spoke up, handing a pair of glasses to him.

"Ah, so these are the glasses you guys told me about." Kanji said.

"Hurry and put them on." Yukiko said. "You'll feel better whenever you're in here."

"Huh? S-Sure, but hang on, aren't these different from everyone else's?" Kanji asked.

"Our glasses are all different models." Kyoko said, as Kanji put on his. "Of course they would... be… different…"

Now she understood what Kanji had meant, as his glasses were the same defective ones Teddie made earlier, the ones with the big nose and mustache.

"I-It looks perfect on you…" Yukiko giggled, before it devolved to full-on laughter. Chie had joined her as well.

"Haha! Damn, dude! It looks great on you!" Yosuke chuckled.

"I had a normal pair ready for you. But Yuki-chan insisted on this one. She wouldn't budge!" Teddie said, pulling another pair out.

"Yeah, real funny, you smartass!" Kanji said, throwing the pair at Teddie, knocking him about as they bounced off.

"Wh-Why are you taking it out on me!?" Teddie said.

"Gimmie that!" Kanji said, taking another pair of glasses… only for them to be exactly the same as the other pair.

It was a miracle that Yukiko hadn't started rolling on the floor with laughter.

"You took my spare pair." Teddie said. "Kanji, you must really like those!"

"Ahaha! Oh, my sides!" Chie laughed.

Kanji chuckled the spare pair as far away as he could, as it disappeared into the yellow mist.

"This is the real one." Teddie said, handing him a normal pair. "It wasn't easy getting it to you."

"Why the hell did you brother making a spare if it's more useless crap!?" Kanji yelled, as the others laughed. "Dammit! I'll get you guys for this someday! At least Kyoko-senpai ain't laughing!"

Truth be told, Kyoko was trying her absolute best not to join the others. It was a very rare moment where she was actually about to devolve into laughter herself. She was extremely thankful that she had honed herself to conceal emotions.

Regardless, with a new friend, the Investigation Team's resolve to find the truth had only gotten stronger.

A/N: I surprisingly managed to get this one out on time, even though I've sold my soul to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond. God, I missed Sinnoh so much.

And thus, we finally reach Kanji's recruitment. I was looking forward to his interaction with Mondo for a very long time.

And for those asking if Kyoko will use multiple Personas, don't worry. You'll see what I have planned for it soon.

The fashion trip is based on Marie's Social Link, who, while she isn't involved in this story, I am doing it in-game to get the best ending.

Feel free to leave a review. See you all next time.

Kyoko's Social Links:

Magician (Yosuke Hanamura): Rank 7

Chariot (Chie Satonaka): Rank 7

Priestess (Yukiko Amagi): Rank 5

Justice (Nanako Dojima): Rank 3

Hierophant (Ryotaro Dojima): Rank 3

Fool (The Investigation Team): Rank 4

Hope (Hope's Peak Academy Students): Rank 2