? – The interrogation room
"The school turned into an old castle? And there was a talking cat?" Sae summarized after hearing Akira's story. "…Are you hallucinating from an overdose? I won't put up with you if you're simply joking around."
"I'm not," Akira shook his head, protesting.
"I'm going to have you continue the story. The one who received a 'calling card' from the Phantom Thieves was an Olympic medalist…," Sae pulled out a photo of a familiar face. "...An alumnus from Shujin Academy- the PE teacher, Suguru Kamoshida. It all came out in his confession. He was guilty of everything – the abuse, the…violations… But there should've been no connections between the two of you since you had just transferred. Why did you target him?"
"I don't know what to say," Akira began. "But there's a reason for that."
"That's unacceptable!" Sae exclaimed. "Try and recall it once again!"
"I am!" Akira replied as he continued the story. "As I was saying, it turns out that it was just the beginning of it all, and things were about to get a whole lot more complicated..."
4/11 – Monday
"Seriously?" Ms. Kawakami sighed once Akira already arrived at the faculty office. "Being over half a day late on your first day? Can you explain yourself?"
"I just got lost," Akira tried to explain.
"Will you pull yourself together? You were given a fair warning yesterday. More importantly… I heard that you were caught along with that Sakamoto-kun?"
"Wait…That Sakamoto?" Akira blinked as he remembered being with Ryuji a while later.
"Don't get involved with him, okay? He's nothing but trouble," Kawakami said. "He wasn't like that when he was devoting his time to track and field, though…"
Kawakami sighed as she continued, "...Anyway. Break's almost over. Classes will end after the fifth period today because of the subway accident. I'll have you introduce yourself when class resumes. Follow me."
As Akira followed his homeroom teacher, Kawakami also added, "By the way, when you introduce yourself, be serious about it even if you're lying to the class, okay? Do NOT say anything unnecessary."
"I won't," Akira said.
As they went to their homeroom class, two female students noticed Akira.
"…You think that's him?"
"Huh? The one in the rumors?"
Moments later, Akira finds himself in a classroom labeled Class 2-D, unsurprised to be greeted by students who give him looks of distrust.
"Being super late on his first day? He is insane…"
"He looks normal, though."
"But he might slug us if we look him in the eye..."
"Settle down," Kawakami called out to the students, introducing them to Akira. "...Well, I'd like to introduce a transfer student: Akira Kurusu. Today, we had him attend from the afternoon on since he wasn't feeling well." She then turned to Akira. "All right, please say something to the class."
"Nice to meet you all," Akira greeted the students. "Looking forward to getting to know you."
More students murmured even more.
"He seems quite quiet… but I bet when he loses it..."
"I mean, he was arrested for assault, right?"
"...Uhh, so… Your seat will be… Hmm…," Kawakami pondered before she pointed to an empty spot by the window. "Over there. The opened one. Sorry, but can the people nearby please share your textbooks with him for today?"
Akira walked to his assigned seat, trying to ignore the students' murmurs. Just then, he noticed a solemn, blue-haired boy, all covered in bruises and a bandage on his cheek.
What happened to you? Akira thought as he looked at the blue-haired boy.
Just then, Akira heard a familiar voice. "…Lies."
Akira turned to see a flashy female student – the same blonde girl from this morning. She glared at him with an intense look before turning away.
"Huh? You're that girl…," Akira focused on her before sitting down on his new desk behind her. "And I'm not lying. You don't know what happened to me."
"I saw you at the station this morning. You liar."
"For your information, it was just a bit of a detour," Akira said, just as he overheard two female students gossiping.
"…Did you catch that? Do those two know each other?"
"Does that mean he hit on her before transferring here?"
"That means she's cheating on him with Mr. Kamoshida. Then again, this is Takamaki-san we're talking about..."
"For real. That side of the room is totally awful."
"Oh, right! The volleyball rally's in two days…," Kawakami spoke while getting the students to quiet down. "Everyone's just changed classes, so make sure you use that time to get to know each other. Well then, let's get the class started. Who's on duty today?"
"Everyone, please rise..." The young, well-behaved blue-haired boy in bruises spoke up as he and everyone else stood up.
Rumors, huh? Akira thought. Well, it's not like I can tell them that I was only late because I was warped into a castle and nearly got killed by a fake Kamoshida in a kingly robe. But that power I have in that castle…my Persona… I feel like it was no dream at all.
Akira, overhearing the students judging him, sighed. "Ugh, this is so rough…"
After school, Akira exited the homeroom class. He sees the school fading out, revealing to be the castle with red carpets and green couches, before returning to normal. He didn't know it, but it felt like both the school and the castle are the same thing – as if they are a connection.
Between what happened this morning and everyone badmouthing me, Akira thought. There's no way things will be standard.
Akira groaned. "Ugh, I can't even catch a break… Why do I have to deal with this?"
"Hey, that's my line," Kawakami spoke up when she walked up to Akira. "Also… it seems like people are already talking about you, but I'm not the one who told them. It would be best if you headed straight home without stopping by anywhere. Sakura-san sounded pretty angry. Oh, and about Sakamoto-kun. Don't get involved—"
But Kawakami's sentence got cut when she noticed Ryuji walking by. "Speak of the devil…" She muttered as she turned to Ryuji. "What do you want? I heard the police caught you cutting classes today."
Ryuji scoffed. "Ugh… It was nothin'."
"And you haven't dyed your hair back to black either..."
"Sorry 'bout that," Ryuji apologized as he then whispered to Akira before walking off. "…I'll be waitin' on the rooftop."
Kawakami sighed as she turned to Akira. "See? That's why I don't want you to get involved. Understood?"
"Understood," Akira answered.
As Kawakami left, Akira turned toward the direction Ryuji went. "I should probably meet him on the rooftop," he muttered to himself as he was about to follow Ryuji while hearing two figures talking.
"Why did you allow a student like Akira-kun to transfer here?" Kamoshida asked Principal Kobayakawa. "He's already started associating with Sakamoto. A student with a criminal record and the culprit of an assault case. At this rate, it'd be pointless how much I contribute to the school."
"Now, don't be like that…" Principal Kobayakawa replied, reassuring the gym teacher. "This school is counting on you, Kamoshida-kun. You are our star. Still, a steady build-up is necessary behind such brilliance as well."
"...Your troubles never seem to end, do they, Principal Kobayakawa?" Kamoshida sighed before he smiled at the principal. "All right, I understand. I'll continue to do my best to answer your expectations of me."
A moment later, Akira had already met up with Ryuji at the school rooftop.
"…There you are," Ryuji noticed as he turned to Akira. "Sorry for callin' you up here like this. I bet Kawakami already told you stuff like 'don't get involved with him,' huh?"
"She said you were trouble," Akira replied.
"Heh, we're pretty much in the same boat," Ryuji said. "I heard you got a criminal record. Everyone's talkin' about it. No wonder you were so gutsy."
Akira slowly nodded. "It's mutual."
But Ryuji had something on his mind. "…What was all that that happened? You know, how we almost got killed at that castle… It wasn't a dream, right? You remember it too, yeah?"
"Yeah," Akira answered.
"Well, just because we both remember it doesn't mean much, though…," Ryuji said. "I mean, even if it was a dream, you saved me from Kamoshida. So yeah… Thanks, Akira."
"It was nothing."
"But man, that Kamoshida we saw there…," Ryuji muttered as he turned to Akira. "You probably don't know about it, but there are some rumors about him."
"Kamoshida…," Akira repeated. "The guy we met earlier?"
"Yeah, the ripped mophead," Ryuji answered. "That asshole who was all full of himself at the castle. No one says anything against him because he's some medalist who took the volleyball team to nationals. But the way Kamoshida was king of that castle felt crazy real 'cause of that…" He then pondered for a moment. "...I wonder if we can go back to that castle again..."
"Really? After what happened back there?" Akira blinked at that response.
But Ryuji shook his head at that idea as he rubbed his head in confusion and frustration. "Ugh, forget it. I don't understand what's going on! All that stuff must've all been a dream, right? It has to be!" He then turned to Akira. "Sorry to drag you out here like this. That's all I had to say."
"It's okay," Akira reassured.
"You know, we might be pretty similar. I feel like we're going to get along simply fine as 'troublemakers.' I'm Ryuji Sakamoto."
"Akira Kurusu," Akira introduced as the two gave each other a high five.
"I'll come to talk if I see you around. Don't ignore me, all right? See 'ya."
After school, Akira returned to Leblanc, where Sojiro was doing dishes.
"Hey, I was on the phone earlier with your school," Sojiro said to Akira. "Couldn't spare me any grief on your first day."
"Sorry," Akira apologized.
"Geesh, here I thought you got up and left on time this morning. Look, just behave yourself and stay out of trouble. The only place you have to be in is school. You hear me?"
"Understood."
The following evening, Akira closed up the café, turned off all the lights, and locked the door once Sojiro went home. Then he put on his pajamas as he was getting ready for bed.
"I feel so exhausted, and it's because of all the weird stuff that's been happening to me...," Akira said to himself as he drifted himself fast asleep.
Just then, Akira woke up to a particular melody in the air and found himself in the Velvet Room once again. He got up and turned to see Igor and the twin wardens waiting for him.
"About time you've come to, " Caroline said to Akira as she slammed the prison bars with her baton. "On your feet, Inmate."
"Our master wishes to speak with you," Justine said to Akira. "It's for your own sake that you take his words to heart."
"O-okay," Akira nodded as he looked at Igor.
"First off, let us celebrate our reunion," Igor said. "Your powers have finally awakened – and they are quite special ones at that. It is finally time. Your rehabilitation can finally begin."
"My rehabilitation?" Akira repeated. "What are you talking about?"
"Worry not," Igor reassured Akira. "You will be gifted with understanding soon. You subconsciously heard the call to awaken and chose to follow the destiny of your inner voice, thereby enacting your glorious awakening to your power. You'll be training the power of Persona, which you have awakened to."
"What's a Persona?" Akira asked as he recalled Morgana mentioning Personas.
"Personas are, in other words, a 'mask'— an armor of the heart when confronting worldly matters," Igor explained. "It is a side of you that shows itself when you face the world around you. Perhaps you can think of it as...a facade of determination you wear to face various difficulties in life. I have high expectations for you."
"What do you mean?"
"When you forged a contract with your Persona, it was released from the sea of humanity's souls. Think of it more as the power to control one's own heart, and the heart is strengthened through bonds. As you form bonds by becoming involved with others, your own Confidants will gradually develop. The power of these Confidants is what will determine your Persona's abilities."
"I see," Akira nodded as he scratched his head. "I'm still a little surprised…"
"Your destiny will require you to hone your power, and for that, you will inevitably require our help," Igor continued. "But there is a price for this: You must abide by your contract and assume responsibility for all the decisions you may make."
"Abiding my contract, honing my abilities," Akira listed. "Assuming responsibility for all my decisions? I was already in deep trouble as it is, but there's more?"
"You have no choice but to hone your strength," Justine told Akira. "It's not because we're forcing you, but because this is your fate…"
"I-I see… Sorry…"
"You will know soon enough when the time comes," Igor said, reassuring Akira. "By the by, have you come to enjoy and appreciate the Metaverse Navigator? Using it will allow you to come and go between reality and Palaces."
"Metaverse Navigator?" Akira repeated. "You mean that app that was on my phone?"
"Then, you realized that it was I who bestowed it upon you as a means to train you as a thief."
"The Metaverse Navigator is a gift from our master!" Caroline said with a haughty tone. "You better take care in using it, Inmate!"
"Devote yourself to your training so that you may become a fine thief," Justine added.
"It must be disheartening to make use of the Metaverse Navigator alone," Igor said to Akira. "Should there be others who would prove beneficial to you, I will grant it to them as well. This is all for you to grow as a most excellent thief... Continue down this path, and the future will be ruinous. But if you master the tools I have given, that may change."
Just then, the raucous sound of alarm rang again as Caroline said to Akira, "Hmph, it's time. Go back and enjoy whatever rest you might have..."
"Sure, I will," Akira said. "But mark my words, I will figure you out eventually…"
Suddenly, Akira's eyes felt heavy once again, and he closed his eyes to rest when everything fades to black. Then, he heard Igor's words once more from somewhere.
Where will your awakened power of the wild card take you...? I look forward to what lies in the future for you, Trickster. The next we meet, it shall be of your own accord.
Until we meet again...
When Akira opened his eyes, he was still in his pajamas on the bed in the attic above Leblanc. He turned around and see that it's still nighttime outside the window. Was he only summoned to the Velvet Room in spirit?
Akira had no way to find out what just happened, but he thinks back on what Igor and the twin wardens had told him as he muttered, "The power of the wild card, huh?"
Even though the Velvet Room people avoid saying much, what little they have to say always has meaning. It's true that they told strange stuff, but never anything meaningless.
Akira assumed that it would be the case… But for now, he may have to keep those words at heart and ease.
4/12 – Tuesday
The next day, after school, Akira went out to find Ryuji when he overheard two people.
"Hey there, Takamaki," Kamoshida greeted her cheerfully. "You looking for a ride home? Things have been pretty dangerous lately with all those accidents."
"Sorry, I have a photoshoot today," Takamaki replied tiredly. "It's for the special summer issue, so I can't afford to miss it..."
"Hey, now… Being a model's fine and dandy, but don't work your pretty little self to the bone. You mentioned you weren't feeling well, right? Something about appendicitis?"
"Yes, I keep planning to go to the hospital, but I've been too busy… Sorry to worry you."
"You must be lonely too. I feel bad for keeping your best friend at practice so often. That's why I asked you out in the first place," Kamoshida then added, "Oh, and… be careful around that transfer student. He's got a criminal record, after all. If something were to happen to you..."
"...Thank you. Please excuse me," Takamaki said as she left without another word.
Kamoshida scoffed a bit angrily as he walked up to the PE faculty office.
It looks like Ryuji was right about Kamoshida, Akira thought.All I did was showing up late, and yet he'd already gone and spread my record to everyone? He is no different from his…
But Akira shook his head. "Never mind, I gotta meet up with Ryuji."
A while later, Akira had finally met up with Ryuji at the school gate outside.
"Yo," Ryuji greeted.
"What's up?" Akira asked.
"I wanna talk about that castle from yesterday. I tried tellin' myself that it was all just a dream… but I couldn't do it. I can't act like nothing happened. We got to go back in there! I got a feeling there's a secret in that place we can use to finally bust Kamoshida. It's all connected to that bastard, after all."
"Well, that castle has something to do with Kamoshida…" Akira said, pondering.
"Yeah, I want to find out what's up with that place, no matter what. And you know, you're the only person I can rely on for this stuff. So, you in?"
Akira shrugged. "Okay, sure. What's next?"
"You serious!? It looks like I managed to talk some sense into you," Ryuji smiled. "I think we should try and retrace our steps from yesterday. In the meantime, you're walkin' to the station, right? Let's go together. Let me know if you notice any other weird buildings on the way. If a huge castle exists, I'm sure we'll find it in no time."
But a few minutes later, Akira and Ryuji returned to the school again as they tried to return to the castle. Still, one attempt after another, they failed.
How could such a grand structure of a castle be hidden away?
"For real?" Ryuji groaned. "Was it smaller than we think it is?"
"Are you sure it was around here? Check your phone," Akira suggested.
"I already did that. I didn't see anything like it around here…" Ryuji said, then he paused at the moment. "Huh? Phone… Hey, that reminds me—didn't you have a navigation app thingy from back then?"
"Yeah, I did," Akira answered. "Why?"
"I don't know if it was or not, but I heard stuff that sounded like one comin' from your phone. You know, didn't it say stuff like 'returned to the real world' or something like that? Let me see your phone for a bit."
"Sure," Akira showed his phone to Ryuji, who looked at the red app on its screen.
"What's this eyeball-looking thing?" Ryuji asked, confused.
"The Metaverse Navigator," Akira replied. "It appeared on my phone, and I can't delete it."
"What a weird app…," Ryuji mumbled.
As Akira pressed the app on his phone, Ryuji finally noticed it. "I knew it – it IS a navigation app! There's even your search history!" He clenched his pumped fist in excitement. "Oh man, I'm such a genius! Let's try usin' it."
"I dunno about this," Akira said, being wary about activating the Metaverse Navigator.
"Why? All we're doing is starting an app."
Just then, the Metaverse Navigator chimed in on Akira's phone. "Kamoshida… Shujin Academy… Pervert… Castle… Beginning navigation."
"There we go!" Ryuji exclaimed. "…Then, we went in a certain direction, and—"
But then, the unexpected happened as the atmosphere around Akira and Ryuji became darker.
"Hey, what are you—?" Ryuji started to ask Akira, but he noticed the scenery slowly shifting as the skies overhead turned into a deep shade of neither red nor purple. He then looked to see Akira's phone flickering like it was possessed, only to see that it was the Metaverse Navigator app and its odd static interference. "...Huh? What the hell!?"
Just then, the air changed around them, and the two turned to see Shujin Academy slowly warping like water in red and black ripples. When the warping stopped, it revealed a familiar sight – precisely what Akira and Ryuji were searching for.
"Look! It's the castle from yesterday!" Ryuji exclaimed as the two walked on ahead across the drawbridge and stood before the massive structure. "We made it back… That means what happened yesterday was for real too…"
"So, they are connected…," Akira said. "Well, fine. Since we're back here already, might as well investigate, right?" He then turned to a jaw-dropped Ryuji. "What?"
"…Yeargh!" Ryuji screamed, pointing at Akira's new attire. "Dude! Those clothes..."
Akira finally realized it by then as he looked at his new black attire and red gloves.
"That happened last time, too, huh!? What's with that outfit!?"
"I don't know," Akira said as he shrugged. "But it's not bad, huh?"
"You LIKE it!?"
"What? Don't tell me you're jelly because you didn't get a new look."
"I-I ain't jealous! What's going on here!? This makes no effin' sense at all…"
Just then, a familiar voice appeared. "Hey!"
Akira and Ryuji turned to see a familiar cat-like creature from before – Morgana.
"Stop making a commotion," Morgana scolded the two.
Akira blinked in surprise to see Morgana. "It's you…"
"Ah… You!?" Ryuji was surprised as well. "You're that thing from last time!"
"The Shadows started acting up, so I came here wondering what it could be…" Morgana said. "...But to think you guys would come back to the entrance when you barely managed to escape." He then looked up at Akira and Ryuji. "Speaking of which, why did you guys come back, anyway!? This is the second time you came here. Don't you remember? How I helped you guys escape?"
"We're sorry," Akira apologized to Morgana. "But we were just confused about all of this. We just want to find out for ourselves."
"I see…" Morgana nodded, slowly understanding Akira's reason.
"What is this place?" Ryuji asked Morgana. "...Is it the school?"
"That's right," Morgana answered.
"But it's a castle!"
"This castle IS the school," Morgana said. "...But only to this castle's ruler."
"The castle's ruler?" Ryuji repeated in confusion.
"I think you called him Kamoshida? It's how his distorted heart views the school."
"Kamoshida… Distorted…," Akira pondered. "Well, we were thinking about how this castle had something to do with Kamoshida. So, if that's the case..."
But Ryuji finds it way too complicated as he demanded Morgana, "Explain it in a way that makes sense! This isn't like the last time when we came here by accident. We're dead serious!"
Morgana sighed in disappointment. "I shouldn't have expected a moron to get it..."
That made Ryuji angry. "What'd you say!?"
Just then, the three heard a loud, horrific scream coming from inside the castle.
"What was that!?" Ryuji asked.
"It must be the slaves captive here," Morgana answered.
"Slaves!?" Akira repeated.
"For real!?" Ryuji blinked in surprise as he and Akira heard the continuing screams. "Oh, shit… It's for real! We saw other guys held captive here yesterday… I'm pretty sure they're from our school."
"They're most likely on Kamoshida's orders. It's nothing out of the ordinary; It's like that every day here," Morgana said as he turned to the two. "What's more, you two escaped yesterday. He must have lost his temper quite a bit."
"That son of a bitch!" Ryuji exclaimed angrily.
"Ryuji?" Morgana blinked when he noticed Ryuji's sudden anger.
"...This is bullshit!" Ryuji said, ramming himself into a large gate with gritted teeth like a raging bull and clinching his fists with a solid and potent force. "You hear me, Kamoshida!?"
"Doing that isn't going to open it, you know…," Morgana said with concern. "Still, it seems you have your reasons."
Ryuji then turned and walked up to Akira and Morgana. "Hey, Monamona!"
"It's Morgana!" Morgana corrected him with a narrowed look.
"Do you know where those voices are comin' from?"
"You want me to take you to them?" Morgana asked, getting to the point, as he then turned to Akira. "...Well, I guess I could guide you there. But only if he comes with us."
"Why me?" Akira asked, confused.
"I just want to get a better look at your powers. Even if you disagree, I bet Ryuji will go on even if he has to do it alone."
"OK, let's go!" Akira replied, adjusting his new look. "Besides, I am dressed for this."
Morgana nodded. "It's settled then!"
"For real!?" Ryuji grinned. "...Thanks, man."
"All right, let's do this. Follow me!" Morgana led the two to the same ventilation shaft they escaped out of yesterday. "This is our infiltration point."
"Ain't that where we escaped out of last time…?" Ryuji asked.
"That's right. Not barging in through the entrance is one of the basics of phantom thievery."
"How are we supposed to know about that stuff…?"
"I'll make sure to teach you as we go. Come on, follow me!"
Before Akira could follow Morgana, he turned to Ryuji. "What is it?"
"So, uh… sorry for draggin' you into all of this…," Ryuji apologized. "But I just can't forgive that bastard Kamoshida doin' whatever the hell he wants!" Then, he smiled at Akira. "Really though, thanks for comin' along. I owe you big time!"
"Sure thing," Akira nodded as he, Ryuji, and Morgana were both inside the castle and silently began to assess the situation as they looked around.
"Man, this place is as creepy as always...," Ryuji muttered.
Morgana nodded. "Mm-hmm. Now, make sure you do exactly as I say, all right? ...Follow me!"
Akira and Ryuji followed Morgana to the main hall, just when it suddenly shifted into the school's main entrance for a moment.
"What the…!?" Ryuji blinked in surprise. "I was seein' double or something just now…! Was that Shujin!?"
"I've told you before. This place is your school," Morgana said. "Regardless, we don't have the time to stand around. Who knows when a Shadow might show up? Come on, this way!"
Once they were in the underground prison, Morgana teaches Akira the battle basics.
Ryuji turned to see the prison cell from before, only to see it empty as he asked impatiently, "Why ain't anyone here…? Dammit, they were here before! Where'd they go!?"
"Quiet down!" Morgana hissed.
"Oh yeah, there were more of 'em further in too!"
Ryuji ran ahead, ignoring Morgana's warning.
Morgana, however, pondered his thoughts as he looked up to Akira. "They might have been transferred already..."
The two ran after Ryuji, who came to a halt when he heard metallic footsteps. "Crap, I can hear footsteps comin'! Lots of them!"
"It would be a problem if they spotted us now..." Morgana stated before looking at a door. "Hey, let's head into that room. We should be able to hide in there until they leave."
A moment later, Akira, Ryuji, and Morgana quickly hid in an empty safe room.
"The Shadows probably won't come in here," Morgana said as he stood on a table while stretching his arms and surveying the room.
"How can you tell?" Ryuji asked while catching his breath.
"There's a lack of distortion here, meaning the ruler's control over this area is weak."
Just as Morgana pointed out, the area started to shift into yet another familiar sight, a classroom, right before it returned to its castle appearance.
It was just like when the castle's main lobby changed into the school's main entrance.
"Is this a classroom!?" Ryuji blinked in confusion once more.
Morgana nodded. "Now, do you understand? This place is another reality that the ruler's heart projects."
"This is Kamoshida's reality?" Ryuji asked. "Shit makes no sense at all!"
"One could say it's a world in which one's distorted desires have materialized. I call such a place a 'Palace.'"
"A Palace?" Akira repeated, remembering Igor's words. "Does that mean this was Kamoshida's reality when he fantasized about the school?"
"Exactly," Morgana said, nodding. "This is happening because he thinks the school is his own castle."
"So, it became like this because he just thought of it like that!?" Ryuji summarized while scratching his head. He clenched his fist as his anger returned. "That son of a bitch!"
"You must really hate this Kamoshida guy," Morgana said to Ryuji.
"Hate doesn't even cover how I feel. Everything is that asshole's fault!"
"I don't know what happened between you two, but don't let your emotions get the better of you. Those lackeys of his are everywhere inside."
Morgana then turned to Akira. "You're curious about your outfit, aren't you?"
Akira nodded. "Yes, I am, now that you mention it."
"Yeah, I'm curious as hell about it too," Ryuji agreed, looking at Akira.
"That's also because of this world," Morgana quickly answered.
"More stuff that makes no sense..." Ryuji muttered in dismay.
"Anything distorted is according to how a ruler pleases within his Palace. A school can turn into a castle just like this one, after all. In order to prevent such distortions, one must hold a powerful will of rebellion. Your new appearance is a manifestation of that. It's the image of rebellion that you hold within."
"Oh, yeah…," Akira said as he looked at his new attire. "So,that'swhat it was."
"Uuugh, I'm so fed up with all this!" Ryuji angrily exclaimed as he turned to Morgana. "I'm more curious about you than Akira's new clothes! What the hell are you anyways!?"
"I'm a human – an honest-to-god human!" Morgana answered.
Ryuji wasn't convinced. "No, you're obviously more like a cat!"
"This is, well… It's because I lost my true form. ...I think."
"You think?" Ryuji repeated.
"But I do know how to regain my true form," Morgana continued. "The reason why I snuck in here was for a preliminary investigation of those means. Well, I ended up getting caught, though…" Then he got determined as ever. "Besides, I've been tortured by Kamoshida, too! I'm going to make him pay for sure!"
"What is this, a comic book? This is seriously crazy...," Ryuji groaned.
"If we're gonna keep going, we should hurry along," Morgana spoke up as he turned to Akira. "I'll be counting on your skills this time too, rookie. Got it?"
"Got it," Akira nodded, ready to continue their infiltration.
"Don't worry, I'm not gonna force it all on you," Ryuji said. "I thought it might help, so..." He then pulled out a gun in his hand, surprising Akira.
"What the—!? You brought a gun with you!?" Akira asked in shock.
"Why not? I only brought it just in case! It's a model gun, so it only makes sounds!"
Morgana narrowed his eyes at Ryuji. "That's a toy!"
"But it looks totally real, so it'll at least fake 'em out," Ryuji said as he also pulled out some medicine. "I brought some medicine too. You know what they say: 'Providin' is pre...something.' Huh? Huh?"
"So, you were planning this from the start…," Morgana sighed, shaking his head in disbelief. "Well, fine. If you're ready to go, we'll resume our infiltration."
Akira nodded as he took some medicine and a Tkachev gun from Ryuji and put them in his coat's pocket to equip himself. "I think I know how to handle some firearm, just as I handled my knife."
"Hm, there are probably still sentries making their rounds out there," Morgana said. "Let's use this time to hash out our current situation."
"Any clue on where we should head next? There wasn't a single prisoner in that cell."
"They've probably been moved to another location."
As everything was ready, the three heard voices of the guards from outside.
"Hm, I thought I heard something move other there... Guess it was my imagination."
"And what of the slaves?"
"They're all in the training hall. I'd assume they're screaming in pain by now."
"Very well. By the way, I heard we might have intruders around. Stay on your guard."
Once the soldiers left, Akira, Ryuji, and Morgana walked out of the safe room.
"Did you hear that?" Morgana asked.
"They said trainin' hall, right?" Ryuji replied.
"I think that's just a little further ahead. Let's go!"
After one fight after another, Akira, Ryuji, and Morgana walked a few steps forward and noticed a strange banner overhead, making them feel uneasy.
"'Kamoshida's... Training Hall... of Love?'" Ryuji read the banner aloud. "What kinda bullshit is this!?"
"Only one way to find out," Akira replied as he slowly opened the door, and they quickly heard more screams from below.
"That voice… Where's it comin' from…?" Ryuji asked as he then pointed at something in the distance. "Is it coming from over there!?"
As they found the source coming from the giant cells up ahead, Akira, Ryuji, and Morgana saw something entirely unexpected.
The slaves are being whipped by guards using their sticks. Some are running on a treadmill, getting away from a spinning spiked mechanism. One slave was hanged upside down by a noose, repeatedly shot at by a cannon that fires volleyballs.
This was no training at all. It was pure, unadulterated torture.
"Training Hall of Love? More like the Training Hall of Torture," Akira said while Morgana sat on some barrels and crates.
"Dammit! This is bullshit!" Ryuji growled in anger, clenching his fist.
"How many times do I have to tell you to keep your voice down!?" Morgana scolded.
"But this is beyond messed up!" Ryuji said as he tried to open the bars. "How do I open this!?"
"Stop it…!" A faint beaten-up voice appeared, revealing to be a slave in shorts, wearing regular red and white gym clothes while covered in bandages. "Leave us alone… It's useless…"
"Huh!?" Ryuji blinked at that answer as his eyes grew wide in shock.
Another slave in long pants slowly appeared, covered in bandages as well. "If we stay obedient, we won't be executed like you guys!"
Ryuji gripped the bars, looking at the slaves. "You're tellin' me you wanna stay in a place like this!?"
That caught Morgana's attention as he looked at Ryuji with narrowed eyes. "Wait a minute… Were you planning on taking these guys out of here?"
"We can't just leave 'em here!"
Morgana shook his head in dismay. "How stupid can you be?"
"A lot than you think," Akira answered for Morgana.
"What!?" Ryuji grunted.
"These are only humans in Kamoshida's cognition," Morgana explained. "They aren't real humans that have entered from reality. They're different from you two."
"Cognition…?" Ryuji repeated in confusion.
"Cognition…," Akira pondered as he tried to suggest what Morgana is saying. "Wait a minute… Do you mean to say they're like beings made from someone's mental perception? Or maybe puppets?"
"Exactly," Morgana nodded. "They're a big old bunch of fakes... or something like that."
"What does that even mean!?" Ryuji asked impatiently.
"It means there's no point in saving them! They're different from the real ones in the real world. You could say that these are extremely similar-looking dolls."
"The hell!? Why's it gotta be so complicated!?" Ryuji complained as he started to summarize the situation. "So, the school's a castle, and the students are slaves… It's so on point that it makes me laugh." He then muttered under his breath, referring to Kamoshida. "This really is the inside of that asshole's head!"
Morgana jumped down to get a closer look at the tortured slaves. "But still, this is horrible. It must mean he treats them as slaves in the real world, too."
"In the real world, too?" Ryuji repeated in confusion as he blinked in surprise, finally remembering the slaves and their faces below. "Wait, I know these guys… They're members of the volleyball team—the one Kamoshida coaches for!"
"They must be physically abused every day…," Morgana said. "There's no way they would be so beaten up normally."
"Don't tell me…They're going through similar shit in reality!?"
"Most likely. I mean, this proves that Kamoshida thinks of them as slaves."
"So, it might be for real…," Ryuji muttered. "I heard that Kamoshida's using physical punishment. They're just rumors, but… If they're all true, wouldn't this be something to report to the police?" He then pulled out his phone. "I'll use these guys as evidence. If it all goes well, we can take down that asshole Kamoshida!"
But to Ryuji's surprise, the camera app didn't open up on his phone. "…Huh? It's not working!? We can use the navigation app, but the camera's a no-go!?"
"A navigation app?" Morgana repeatedly asked as he became curious.
"That's what we used to come here," Ryuji answered as he then turned to Akira. "What about yours?"
Akira took out his phone to check. "Huh? My camera app's not working either."
"Whatever you do is fine, but we're gonna get caught if we stand around like this," Morgana said. "We need to head back!"
"Hang on a sec!" Ryuji halted as he looked at the slaves one more time. "There's no other way… I'll just memorize their faces before going home!"
Just then, once Akira, Ryuji, and Morgana exited the training hall, they heard voices.
"The watch post near the training hall has ceased reporting!" The guard said. "The chances of intruder activity are extremely high! All personnel, increase security measures!"
"We've stayed here for too long…," Akira said. "We need to get out of here!"
"Good call. I like your thinking, rookie," Morgana nodded in agreement as they narrowly headed to the stairs leading to the main hall. "The exit's this way! Let's hurry!"
But before they could make it to the exit, Akira, Ryuji, and Morgana find themselves face-to-face with the fake Kamoshida, along with a few Shadows in the form of his knights and guards.
"It's Kamoshida!" Ryuji growled in anger. "Nasty…and he's in that bathrobe again!"
"That guy over there isn't the one you know in the real world," Morgana reminded Ryuji. "This one's a reflection of what the real Kamoshida tries to hide. Dark desires take physical form here." He then looked at Shadow Kamoshida. "And that thing, what you're looking at, is Kamoshida's Shadow."
"Kamoshida's…Shadow!?" Akira repeated, reminiscing. "So, that explains his yellow eyes and strange behavior yesterday…"
Shadow Kamoshida grunted annoyingly. "…You knaves again? To think you'd make the same mistake again. You're hopeless!"
"The school ain't your castle!" Ryuji retorted to Shadow Kamoshida. "I've memorized their faces real good. You're goin' down!"
"It seems it's true when they say 'barking dogs seldom bite,'" Shadow Kamoshida said with a smile. "It's so very tragic to see how far the star runner of the track team has fallen."
"What the hell are you gettin' at!?"
"I speak of the 'Track Traitor' who was so driven and acted in violence that he saw fit to ending his teammates' dreams. Oh, I can only imagine the pain of the others who were dragged on with your…selfish act."
Ryuji looked away in anger. "Ngh..."
"'Track Traitor'? Violence?" Akira repeated as he and Morgana turned to Ryuji. "Wait, what's he talking about?"
"What a surprise," Shadow Kamoshida taunted Akira as he then pointed at Ryuji. "So, you've been accompanying him without knowing anything at all? He betrayed his teammates and crushed their hopes, yet he still carries on as carefree as ever."
"That's not true!" Ryuji protested, trying to deny it.
"How unlucky of you…," Shadow Kamoshida grinned. "You blindly trusted this fool, and he has led you right to your death." He then ordered his guards. "Hurry up and dispose of them. I can't stand their stench."
The knights stepped toward the trio's direction while the golden knight guarded the king. Just then, they suddenly transformed into two large, horse-like creatures with horns.
"Goddammit…," Ryuji grumbled in anger.
"Ryuji, move!" Morgana told him as he and Akira raised their weapons, finding themselves facing more enemies. "Ngh... We're surrounded!"
"I'll kill you! I'll kill you 'cause King Kamoshida told us!" The Guard Shadow shouted. "I'll kill 'cause that's what he wants!"
"There's more of them? This is bad…," Morgana muttered once more as he and Akira tried to fight the Shadows. But they were no match for these hard-hitting opponents as the enemy's enormous impact cause the two to caught them off balance and fell to the ground.
"Rgh… You piece of—" Morgana hissed as Shadow Kamoshida was pressing him.
Akira tried to get up, but the golden knight took a chance to subdue him.
Ryuji watched as he was on his knees with a shocking expression on his face.
Shadow Kamoshida turned toward Ryuji with a grin on his face. "I bet you simply came here on a whim and ended up like this. Isn't that right?"
Ryuji shook his head. "No…"
Shadow Kamoshida began taunting Ryuji. "What a worthless piece of trash, getting emotional so quickly… How dare you raise your hand at me. Though it was only temporary, have you forgotten my kindness in supervising track practice?"
Ryuji angrily lowered himself to the ground in frustration. "That wasn't no practice - it was physical abuse! You just didn't like our team!"
Shadow Kamoshida shook his head. "It was nothing but an eyesore! The only one who needs to achieve results is me! That coach who got fired was hopeless too… Had he not better than to opposed me with a sound argument, I would've settled it with only breaking his star's leg."
Ryuji looked up in shock at that response. "...What?"
Shadow Kamoshida sneered at Ryuji. "Do you need me to deal with your other leg too? I'm sure the school will be more than fine calling it self-defense anyway!"
Ryuji lowered his head, muttering in despair. "Dammit… Am I going to lose again? Not only can I not run anymore…but the track team is gone too because of this asshole…"
"So, that's why…" Morgana said with a sympathetic look. He let out a painful groan because Shadow Kamoshida stepped on him even harder.
"Allow me to take care of our guests, then I'll come back to deal with you," Shadow Kamoshida said to Ryuji with a hysterical laugh. "Once these two are dealt with, you're next. Hahahaha…!"
"Ryuji!" Morgana called out to him.
Akira struggled to look up at Ryuji. "Ryuji… I know that not running anymore and the track team being gone is probably the worst thing that ever happened to you. But are you okay with this? Can you forgive him for what he's done? If you want what you had, you must take it back! So, don't let him win! Stand up for yourself!"
Encouraged by Akira's words, Ryuji looked at Akira and slowly nodded. "...You're right. I guess it doesn't matter. My reputation's already been ruined. Everything that was important to me was taken by him… I'll never get them back!"
"Defy me as much as you like," Shadow Kamoshida taunted Ryuji. "When you die, you'll still amount to nothing more than a traitor. Once that label's been swept on, it's impossible to remove. So, stay there and watch. Look on as these hopeless scum die for nothing because they sided with trash like you."
But just then, Ryuji got up slowly and raised his head to face Shadow Kamoshida. "No... that's what you are... All you think about is using people… You're the real scumbag, Kamoshida!" Then he pointed at Shadow Kamoshida accusingly and said in a wave of flaring anger, "So, stop lookin' down on me with that stupid smile on your face!"
Suddenly, a familiar feeling that happened to Akira was doing the same to Ryuji as a similar voice echoed from his head…and into his mind.
You made me wait quite a while.
That's when Ryuji's eyes suddenly turned yellow. Just like what happened to Akira, Ryuji began writhing in pain while subconsciously hearing the voice inside him – the call to awaken his power.
You seek power, correct? Then let us form a pact.
Since your name has been disgraced already, why not hoist the flag and wreak havoc?
The "other you" who exists within desires it thus...
I am thou, thou art I…
There's no turning back…
From this day forward, the skull of rebellion is your flag henceforth!
"I hear you…Captain," Ryuji said as blue flames soon engulfed him, and a dark, skull-shaped mask appeared on his face. "You're right! Time to raise some hell!"
"Hmph. What can you do?" The gold knight scoffed as it was about to raise its sword to strike down at Akira. "Cower in fear and watch!"
By removing his skull-like mask, blood was all over Ryuji's face as a vast spiraling vortex of blue flames engulfed and enveloped him. At the same time, its force caused the enemies to be off-balanced. When it died down, Ryuji stood in the middle of blue flames and chains.
Behind him was his very own Persona, Captain Kidd – a pirate riding a mobile boat.
After a couple of deep breaths, Ryuji looked up with a smile look on his face while his clothes changed into a black jacket with black pants, dark boots, a red ascot, and yellow gloves.
"This one as well!?" Shadow Kamoshida looked on.
"Right on… What's up, Persona…" Ryuji smiled, looking at his new look, enjoying the new strength within him. "This effin' rocks! Now that I got this power, it's time for payback…"
Akira and Morgana got up on their feet and stood by Ryuji as they are ready to fight once more with their weapons in hand.
"Yo, I'm ready...," Ryuji said, now equipped with a metal pipe. "Bring it!"
"Ngh… Don't mock me, you brat!" The gold knight exclaimed as it transformed into a red-armored knight riding a dark steed with white mane and green eyes. "What troublemakers that bother King Kamoshida with trifle matters!"
"Kamoshida's cognition ain't changin', right? Then I'll act like the troublemaker I am!" Ryuji said as he called out his Persona. "Let's do this, Captain Kidd!"
It wasn't easy, but the trio managed to defeat the transformed red-armored captain as it reverted into a gold knight and falling back down unconscious by Shadow Kamoshida's side. "I am... a loyal subject... of the glorious King Kamoshida... So why... have I lost!?"
"It just proves that Kamoshida ain't anything special," Ryuji said as his Persona vanished into the skull mask on his face. Then, taking a deep breath after the fight, he looked back up at Shadow Kamoshida. "How about that!?"
Morgana was surprised. "Whoa… So, Ryuji had the potential too..."
Ryuji looked at Shadow Kamoshida. "Even if you apologize now… I ain't forgivin' you!"
"I told you that this is my castle," Shadow Kamoshida said. "It seems you still don't understand your place..."
As if on cue, a blonde girl appeared, wearing a purple bikini and a headband pair of cat ears, making her way to Shadow Kamoshida.
But Ryuji recognized the girl's face and hairstyle in surprise. "Wh— Takamaki!?"
Morgana, however, was in awe. "Oh… Wha...What a meow-velous and beautiful girl..."
Ryuji shook his head in confusion. "What's going on!?"
"Something seems off," Akira said as he remembered what Morgana said.
These are only humans in Kamoshida's cognition. They aren't actual humans that have entered from reality. They're different from you two.
"Oh, I get it!" Akira remembered. "It's only her in Kamoshida's mental perception."
"Yeah, now that you mention it…," Ryuji replied. "But why is she even here!?"
"How should I know?" Akira shrugged.
Ryuji then noticed Shadow Kamoshida stroking the cognitive blonde girl's chin and exclaimed, "Hey! Let go of her, you perv!"
"How many times must I tell you until you understand?" Shadow Kamoshida said. "This is MY castle—a place in which I can do whatever I want. Everyone wishes to be loved by me." He then turned to the group. "...That is, everyone besides slow-witted thieves like you."
"Takamaki! Say somethin'!" Ryuji called out to the cognitive blonde.
"Calm down, Ryuji!" Morgana told him. "It seems that girl isn't the real one. She's the same as those slaves—a being made from Kamoshida's cognition of her!"
"Are you jealous?" Shadow Kamoshida smiled smugly. "Well, I'm not surprised. Women aren't drawn to problematic punks like you."
"I resent that remark," Akira said, unfazed.
"Dammit…" Ryuji growled in anger.
"Clean them up this instant!" Shadow Kamoshida commanded as multiple knights erupted from behind him. "Get them! I now sentenced you to death!"
"We're outnumbered…," Morgana said. "Let's scram before we get surrounded!"
"We're not gonna do anything and just run!?" Ryuji protested.
"I refuse to die like this!" Akira exclaimed. "Besides, we can't die here!"
Morgana agreed with Akira. "Thank god you've got a level head."
"Ngh… Fine," Ryuji sighed as he then turned to Shadow Kamoshida. "We'll expose what you really are, no matter what! You better be ready for us!"
"Hahaha! I was beginning to get bored of torturing the ones here!" Shadow Kamoshida laughed at that threat. "Come at me whenever you want if you don't care about your life! Haaaahahahaha!"
"Ignore him. Let's go!" Morgana yowled as the group makes a hasty retreat.
A moment later, at the castle entrance outside, Ryuji noticed his outfit had changed. "What happened to my clothes? I don't remember changing into this!"
"Looks good on you," Akira said.
"Uhh… Should I be happy about that? …Then again, it ain't as bad as yours."
"Quiet!" Morgana hissed as he and the others heard their pursuers from inside.
"Did you find them!?"
"No. Search that way!"
As the voices and footsteps faded, Akira, Ryuji, and Morgana sighed with relief.
Ryuji scratched his head. "So, what's goin' on? I'm completely lost, man!"
Morgana turned to Ryuji. "I told you before. When a Persona-user opposes a Palace's ruler and becomes a threat to them, this happens. It's to prevent you from being affected by distortions."
Ryuji touched his skull mask with his left hand. "Is this…a skull?"
"Your appearance reflects your inner self," Morgana continued. "It's the rebel that slumbers within… Not that you'll get it."
"Nope..."
"Then stop asking questions and accept what you see for what it is."
"Easy for you to say," Ryuji said, then gasped in realization. "Wait, we're in deep shit!"
"I said to be quiet!" Morgana scolded under his breath.
"We might've gotten away here, but we're still screwed with Kamoshida at the real school..."
"That's quite sharp of you! ...For being an idiot," Morgana said. "Relax. The Kamoshida in reality can't possibly know about what happens here. A Shadow is the true, suppressed self—a side of one's personality they don't want to see."
"Mind elaborating a bit?" Akira asked Morgana.
"A Shadow is the parts of you suppressed within your subconscious…," Morgana explained. "It's basically just your other self."
"Well, what about their main selves? Are they even aware of all this?"
Morgana shook his head. "No – the Shadow and the actual self are two sides of the same coin."
"So, this whole castle and the training hall we saw existed because Kamoshida fantasized about the school, and it becomes his reality? I did saw his real self earlier today, and he didn't mention anything about a castle. But if they really are cognitive beings and Shadows here in this castle, wouldn't there be a huge commotion at school in our world?"
"Exactly! You catch on pretty quick," Morgana nodded. "But it's only speculation."
"...So, we're okay?" Ryuji asked in confusion.
"Did the Kamoshida in your reality remember about the execution?"
Akira and Ryuji both shook their heads.
"There you have it," Morgana nodded.
"Well, until we find out how this castle is affecting Shujin, we can only know half of what's up," Akira said. "We need to get the whole story straight before we make any moves, or we'll just be making things…awkward."
"All right!" Ryuji said. "Now that we know all that, all we gotta do is—"
"Wait," Morgana halted the two boys. "I guided you as promised. It's your turn to cooperate with me. That's why I was super nice about teaching you idiots everything."
"Huh? Cooperate?" Ryuji repeated.
"Don't you remember? I originally came here for an investigation. I need to erase the distortion from my body and regain my real form! That's why we must delve deep into Mementos and find out what is the source of it all."
Just then, Ryuji interrupted Morgana. "Whoa, hold up. What're you goin' on and on about? We never said anything about helpin' you out."
Morgana's jaw dropped. "Huh? Don't tell me… Are you not going to repay the hospitality I showed you?" He then turned to Akira. "Especially you! You're going to up and leave, even though you're already part of my master plan!?"
Akira tried to be honest. "What master plan? You didn't explain some of that to us. At least let me think about it."
"Wha—the nerve!" Morgana blinked but then became angry. "Is it because I'm not human? Because I'm like a cat? Is that why you're making a fool of me!?"
"We were busy!" Ryuji said to Morgana. "We'll help you after we're finished with Kamoshida…if we see you again, that is."
"WHAT!?" Morgana yelled in anger.
Ryuji looked down at Morgana as he said with a smile, "But anyway, thanks for everything, cat. You've got guts, bein' a cat and all! See you around!"
And with that, Ryuji and Akira make their exit once again, leaving Morgana behind.
"Hey! What the hell!?" Morgana angrily called out. "Ugh, seriously!? Why're you wrapping this up like everything's all hunky-dory!? Oh, hell, no! Get back here! Grr... GRAAGGGHHH!"
A moment later, Akira and Ryuji were already warped back to reality as they landed in the alleyway like before. They were also back in their regular clothes.
The Metaverse Navigator chimed in on Akira's phone. "You have returned to the real world. Welcome back!"
"...Thank god. We're back," Ryuji said with relief as he turned to Akira. "I dragged you around a lot, huh? ...Sorry, man."
"It's okay," Akira nodded.
"Ugh, I'm dead tired… How are you holding up?"
"Eh, I'm fine," Akira answered. "I'm so exhausted I could use a nap."
"Me too…," Ryuji nodded in agreement. "I'm exhausted even though I used to do track. Man, I'm going to sleep like a rock when I get home."
Ryuji then smiled with determination. "But damn, if what we saw was for real, this is gonna get good! I totally remember the faces of the guys Kamoshida was treating like slaves. Once we make them fess up to any physical abuse, Kamoshida will be done." He then turned to Akira. "So… wanna help me look for those guys or any witnesses?"
"Sure. I'm in," Akira agreed. "If it'll make you feel any better."
"Now that's what I'm talkin' about!" Ryuji grinned, but then his smile faded. "Hey, so… If you're thinking of layin' low 'cause you got a record, I don't think that'll help… Everyone already knows. They totally got you pegged as an outcast or a criminal."
"How'd that happen?" Akira asked.
"Kamoshida opened his damn mouth!"
"Seriously? A teacher did that!? But why?"
"No one else besides a teacher could've leaked it that fast! It doesn't matter if it's a student or a club; that asshole just wrecks things he doesn't agree with. Just like he did with me!"
Ryuji then sighed as he crossed his arms. "No one will take anything I say seriously. Still, those rumors about him gettin' physical might be real. And after seeing Kamoshida's distorted-heart thing in person, there's no way I can just sit back!"
"Of course," Akira nodded.
"I'm countin' on you! Don't worry. I'm hyped about this too!"
Akira nodded, sensing a bond of trust coming from Ryuji.
I am thou, thou art I... Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Chariot Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power...
Hovering below Ryuji was the Chariot Arcana card, and it bursts into pearls of light.
After seeing that light, Akira then quickly recalled Igor's words.
The Persona ability is the power to control one's own heart, and the heart is strengthened through bonds. As you form bonds by becoming involved with others, your own Confidants will gradually develop. The power of these Confidants is what will determine your Persona's abilities.
Could my bond with Ryuji be what Igor was talking about? Akira thought.
Just then, Ryuji noticed that his stomach was growling. "Oh… Right. I haven't eaten anything since lunch. It'd be weird splitting off now, so why don't we grab a bite somewhere?"
"Sure," Akira said. "What kind of food?"
"Just follow me. I mean, I totally got to hear about your past!"
A while later, Akira and Ryuji were at Beef Bowl Place, eating their meals. At the same time, Ryuji listened to Akira's past life story – the reason why he was under a false accusation.
"WHAT!?" Ryuji exclaimed suddenly after listening to Akira's story. "The hell, man! How much shittier can that asshole get!?"
"Calm down, I'm still eating," Akira said as he looked down sadly. "Besides, it's all in the past…"
"Are you for real? If it were me, I wouldn't calm down until I punched that dick bastard in the face." Ryuji continued chowing down his food. "So… you left your hometown, and… you're livin' here now, huh? We might be more alike than I originally thought."
Akira nodded. "You might be right."
Ryuji turned to Akira. "You're the first guy that made me think that."
"So, what did you do?" Akira asked. "How did you end up being, you know, labeled?"
"Uh, it's not exactly how. And I don't got a record as you do. I guess it's how we're being treated like a pain in the ass by the people around us, like we don't belong. I did something stupid at school before, too."
Ryuji shovels the entire bowl into his mouth and slams it onto the counter as he turned to Akira, "The place you're livin' now is in…Yongen, right? It's rush hour on the subways. I suggest you kill some time before headin' home."
Ryuji noticed Akira's bowl still half full as he added some ginger to it. "What the hell, man? You barely touched your food!"
"…I can see that," Akira replied incredulously. "But I can do that myself."
"Just lemme do it. I got to thank you for helping me," Ryuji grinned. "Anyways, I got your back like you got mine from tomorrow on. As long as we do something about Kamoshida, I'm sure we'll both feel better about bein' at school."
"At least, that's the plan," Akira nodded, smiling.
"Oh, yeah! Tell me your number. Chat ID too!"
As the two pulled out their phones and exchanged numbers, Ryuji was now feeling determined than ever. "Just you wait, Kamoshida... We're going to start right away tomorrow. First, let's hit up those guys that were kept as slaves."
"If I recall correctly, wasn't there a volleyball rally going on tomorrow?" Akira asked.
"The volleyball rally's tomorrow, huh? Shit's recommended by Kamoshida. It makes me wanna gag. But thanks to that, we got no classes in the afternoon, and we can walk around unnoticed. Well, I guess we can work out the details tomorrow…"
Ryuji added more ginger into Akira's bowl again. "C'mon, you gotta eat more. There's tons of ginger here."
Once the two left Beef Bowl Shop a while later, Ryuji turned to Akira. "So, about this plan to take down Kamoshida…"
"How about speaking a little quieter?" Akira warned Ryuji. "Anyway, we've confirmed the presence of a Palace. Let's look into Kamoshida and any possible and potential victims of his."
Ruji nodded in agreement as he and Akira continued onward. "Right. We still have time to get to the bottom of this. Let's see if we can talk to some of them."
"With this other reality involved, we're the only ones who can stop this."
Elsewhere at Shujin, another conversation between friends took place in the courtyard.
"I-I haven't been sleeping well lately…," The downtrodden girl, Shiho Suzui, said to her best friend, Ann Takamaki. "Whenever I close my eyes, I keep thinking about too many things…"
"Shiho..." Ann sighed under her breath.
"Nationals are coming up soon, so I keep thinking…," Shiho said. "Should someone like me be really on the starting lineup?"
"Don't worry. Just be confident in yourself!" Ann told her. "Your skills have been recognized! It's all because you work harder than anyone else!"
"Yeah…," Shiho nodded. "Volleyball's all I have, after all."
"More importantly, was that injury okay? It looked swollen."
"No, it's nothing. It's normal… Especially because a meet's coming up..."
Just then, the blue-haired student from Akira and Ann's homeroom class appeared. "Sorry to interrupt, Suzui. Um… Mr. Kamoshida told me to get you."
"Huh? What does he want?" Shiho asked.
"He didn't say..."
Shiho turned to Ann with worry, "Ann, I…"
"It'll be fine! I bet it's a meeting about the starting lineup or something."
"...Yeah," Shiho nodded, "Well, I better go..."
"Yup. Good luck!" Ann said as Shiho and the quiet student left, but then she muttered to herself, "Hang in there, Shiho…"
That evening, Akira arrived home at Café Leblanc, where Sojiro waited.
"…You're home," Sojiro noticed Akira. "I take it you went to school today?"
"Of course," Akira answered.
Sojiro sighed. "I guess you learned your lesson after what happened yesterday. As long as you're not getting into trouble, it's fine by me." Then he narrowed his eyes. "I don't know what you've been up to, but trust me, you'll be gone if you start causing problems. In case you forget, your life's not a free one."
Sojiro then left the store for home.
A moment later, Akira was getting ready for bed when he got a phone call from Ryuji.
"Hey, I decided to go ahead and called you," Ryuji said. "Can you hear me?"
"Yep," Akira answered.
"Anyways, I'm gonna be countin' on you tomorrow, OK?"
"Got it. I was going to say the same thing to you."
"You're a bro, man… Let's save those guys who've been getting abused. You and me. By the way, that thingy on your phone was some red eyeball icon, right?"
"Right," Akira nodded as he sat down on the bed.
"We ended up at that weird place when we used this nav app, right? I found it on my phone too… I don't even remember installing it!"
"Well, delete it at once!"
"I deleted it earlier, but it came back… Think it's being downloaded on its own somehow? It's dangerous to use something without knowing what it is… But with it, we can go to that weird place, right?"
"Seems like it," Akira replied, nodding.
"It's going to depend on how we use it. But first, we have to find evidence for the beatings. I'm counting on you, all right? Don't go ditching school on me."
"I won't," Akira said, ending the phone call as he lay down on his bed to sleep.
Just then, Akira felt a tense sensation as he'd been summoned to the Velvet Room once again, where Igor and the twin wardens were waiting.
"Welcome to the Velvet Room," Igor greeted Akira. "I thought about resuming our previous conversation tonight. That is why I have summoned you. What are your thoughts? Are you becoming accustomed to this place?"
"Yeah," Akira answered.
"Glad to hear it. You have nerves of steel. Your rehabilitation determines if ruin can be stopped. Yet, such a feat cannot be done by you alone. Today, you entered a partnership with someone who awoke to the same power."
"A partnership? You mean with Ryuji?" Akira asked as he remembered. "Oh, that's right! You were talking about 'Confidants' earlier."
Igor nodded. "Involving yourself with others is an important foundation for your recovery. You've done well. That said, I'm not advising the formation of superficial relationships. It must not be of frivolity but a ring of those who would lend you their strength by morals or faith. In other words, they are bonds with those who have been robbed of their places to belong. The expansion of said ring will, in return, help you mature as well."
"Personas are the strength of heart…," Justine said to Akira. "The stronger the bonds that surround you, the more power your Personas will gain."
"There are countless people in the city who have talents that a weakling like you doesn't," Caroline added. "You better rack that noggin of yours and get them on your side. We'll change that into power."
"Indeed. You should be prepared to use even me, or your ambitions will not come to fruition," Igor chuckled. "We have a deal then."
I am thou, thou art I... Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Fool Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power...
"The Fool?" Akira repeated as the card of The Fool hovered toward Igor.
"Your Persona ability, however, is that of the wild card...," Igor explained. "Compared to that of others, it's extraordinary. It is like the number zero: empty yet holding infinite potential within itself. It will soon later become the power to change bonds into strength, for you are to continue fighting on to prevent ruin… It is a path of endless hardships." Then he chuckled. "You will understand it all in due time… Continue devoting yourself to your rehabilitation."
The grating sound of alarm rang again as Caroline said to Akira, "Now this conversation's over! Get lost, Inmate!"
As Akira fell asleep, a thought came to his mind.The power of the wild card that changes bonds into strength…A path of endless hardships. The Fool Arcana… It represents freedom, purity, possibility, and the beginning of a journey. It may be because my journey has already begun…