8/4 Thursday
Days until the Cleanse: 17
Shortly after she woke up, she felt her phone buzzing.
Eiko: Heeeey, Prez, do u hav time 2 meet rite now?
After taking a few moments to decipher Eiko's message, she replied.
Makoto: Yes, of course? Where are we meeting?
Eiko: Thx. I'll txt u the deets.
Makoto went out to meet Eiko the moment she texted her the 'deets'.
She met Eiko in a small park, Eiko making sure that they were alone.
"So what's going on?" Makoto asked. "You needed money, right? Is everything ok?"
"It's those Yakuza again!" Eiko answered. "They're, like, totally forcing Tsukasa-kun to pay them money to 'provide security' for his club!"
"Really?" Makoto asked.
Eiko nodded. "Yeah. That's what Tsukasa-kun told me."
"I do remember my father telling me that the Yakuza sometimes strong-arm businesses like that." Makoto brought up.
"That's why I really need money." Eiko told her. "I want to help Tsukasa-kun however I can!"
"Couldn't you ask your parents?" Makoto asked.
"I… I don't want to tell them about the situation." Eiko frowned. "They'd probably just be more disappointed in me then they already are…"
"Eiko…" Makoto trailed off.
"… But now I have to turn to you to help." Eiko sighed. "I'm just, like… being a burden again, aren't I?"
"No, of course not!" Makoto insisted. "This is a pretty serious situation. I want to help you however I can…"
"Prez… I… I don't want to put you in danger." Eiko whispered. "I didn't want to tell you why I needed the money cause, like, I was worried that you'd go out and get hurt trying to do something about those Yakuza."
"Eiko, I wouldn't-"
"Don't say you wouldn't do that!" Eiko snapped. "That's exactly what happened before, right?! When those Yakuza kidnapped me, you rushed to save me, and ended up getting kidnapped yourself. You got in so much trouble trying to save someone like me!"
"And I'd do it again." Makoto stated. "You're my friend, Eiko, and I'm not going to let anything happen to you."
"And I don't want anything to happen to you, either." Eiko frowned.
"I promise not to do anything reckless, alright?" Makoto promised.
"Ok… I still hate to ask, but-"
"How much money do you need?" Makoto asked.
"A-About five thousand yen." Eiko mumbled. "But you don't have to pay it all for me…
"Alright." Makoto nodded, grabbing a wad of bills and handing it to her. "Here's all of it."
"W-What?! You're really just carrying that kind of money around?!" Eiko gasped. "Are you sure that you can just give all of that to me?!"
"I have a job." Makoto mentioned. "So I have money to spare."
Most of the money had come from the Metaverse, of course. But it would probably be for the best if she didn't tell anyone about that…
"I-I'll be sure to pay you back someday!" Eiko promised.
"Really, it's fine." Makoto insisted. "You don't have to."
"Just let me." Eiko muttered.
"Oh. Well, alright." Makoto nodded. "If you insist."
Eiko thanked her for the money, the two of them saying their goodbyes, a tinge or worry on both of their faces…
While they had managed to overcome Wakaba in Futaba's palace, it had come down to the wire, with them barely managing to survive in the end thanks to Futaba's assistance.
She felt as if her tactics had been inadequate, so she might have to work on that…
For now, however, she texted Ren, asking about Futaba's condition.
Ren: No improvement, I'm afraid.
Makoto: I see. Hopefully she gets better soon. I can't help but worry.
Ren: Maybe I could help you take your mind off of it?
Makoto: What do you mean?
Ren took a few minutes to respond.
Makoto: Ren?
Ren You wanna go somewhere together? I know this nice bookstore.
A smile played on her lips. Some reading could help her to relax.
Makoto: That sounds nice. I'll meet you there.
She made her way to Jinbocho, where Ren was waiting.
She could certainly see why the area was called Book Town. Dozens of small shops filled to the brim with books lined the streets.
"You look like you're in Heaven, Makoto." Ren laughed.
"W-Well, it's a very nice selection." she excused. "… It's unlikely, but we might even be able to find something about cognitive psience."
"Maybe… but remember to relax, too." Ren reminded her. "We just pulled off a big job, so I say our fearless leader has more than earned herself a break."
"You might be right." Makoto smiled.
"O-Oh! Um… hello…"
Both of them turned to see Hifumi awkwardly standing near them.
"Um… goodbye." Hifumi whispered.
"Wait!" Makoto insisted. "Togo-san, did you want to say anything to us?"
"No, I… was just surprised to see you two here." Hifumi replied. "I don't wish to intrude on your… date."
"N-No, that's not… we're just friends!" Makoto insisted. "He's just helping me, um… carry my bags!"
Ren raises an eyebrow. "Wait, hold on, I-"
"So there's no need for you to be so considerate." Makoto continued. "Although, I am curious how you two know each other."
Ren smirked before speaking dramatically "Well, Hifumi-chan here is my shogi master! My fellow warrior and comrade-in-arms!"
"T-That's a bit much." Hifumi mumbled.
"Do you tease everyone you come across?" Makoto deadpanned.
Ren smiled. "Just a little…"
Makoto turned towards Hifumi. "You know Togo-san, I'm sure Ren would love to carry your bags too."
Hifumi let out a small laugh. "That's good. I was getting a little tired carrying these Shogi books."
"Oh? What store do you go to for Shogi and tactics books?" Makoto asked. "I might want to get some myself."
"Sure. I'll show you." Hifumi smiled, looking much more at ease. "There's also this nice curry restaurant around the corner that I enjoy."
Ren instantly perked up at the mention of curry, much to Makoto's amusement and Hifumi's confusion.
With Hifumi in tow, they browsed various stores, Makoto grabbing a few books on strategy… and some romance manga when Ren wasn't looking.
For studying purposes only, of course.
After they finished shopping, they stopped for some curry.
It wasn't quite as good as Leblanc, but it was still quite good.
"Thank you for today." Hifumi smiled. "It was a lot of fun."
"You're welcome." Makoto said. "It was nice to relax and take my mind off of everything."
"Yes, I agree." Hifumi nodded. "There's been a lot on my mind as well…"
"Like what?" Ren asked.
"It seems like the more matches I win, the more rumors get spread about me." Hifumi frowned. "People are very divided on me."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Ren frowned. "That must be hard for you."
"You still have our support." Makoto told her.
"Thank you. I'm glad about that." Hifumi smiled.
She felt the bond between the two of them grow stronger.
STAR CONFIDANT: RANK 4
After speaking to her for a little longer, they said their goodbyes to Hifumi.
"Have fun?" Ren asked.
"I did." Makoto nodded. "Thank you for bringing me here… and for carrying our books."
"Happy to serve, your Majesty." Ren joked, giving a small bow.
"Oh hush, you." Makoto muttered, trying not to laugh.
They went back to their homes, Ren promising to update her on Futaba's condition.
8/5 Friday
Days until the Cleanse: 16
Soon after she ate her breakfast, she received a text on her phone.
Ann: Hey Makoto! Do you have time to chat?
Makoto: Of course I do.
Ann: Great! Let's meet up at Inokashira Park, ok?
She texted her reply, and set out to meet Ann.
She wasn't used to having so many things to do during summer. For the past few years, she had just spent her summers studying in her room.
It was nice to be able to spend time with friends.
Ann and her sat down at a bench, relaxing.
"Oooh, look at those ducks over there!" Ann grinned. "They must be a family."
"That's so cute." Makoto smiled.
"This place isn't too far away from Shibuya, but it's so different." Ann mentioned.
"I've lived here my whole life, but I'm still surprised by all of the different places in Tokyo." Makoto said.
"Same here. It's a lot to take in." Ann nodded. "But it's nice to try new things sometimes."
Makoto nodded. "I would have never thought about reading manga or going to an arcade before I met the others. I'm glad that I met all of you.
"Aww, that's so sweet." Ann beamed. "I'm glad I met you too."
Ann glanced downwards at her feet.
"Ann?"
"It was hard for me to adjust to Tokyo at first." Ann recalled. "It was so crowded everywhere, and it seemed like everyone was in a hurry. And then there was school…"
She listened diligently as Ann sighed before continuing.
"School was the worst. I stood out like a sore thumb. Everyone just knew me as the 'foreigner'. They would spread all kinds of rumors about me." Ann frowned "The teachers didn't care either. They told me that if I wanted it to stop, I should dye my hair so that it was black like everyone else's."
The nail that sticks up gets hammered down.
Hearing Ann speak of her experiences reminded her of that phrase.
She had heard the phrase several times before, mostly from authority figures, and as time went on, she found herself hating it more and more.
"People only seemed to care about my looks." Ann sighed. "So I did consider it…"
"I'm sorry you had to go through all of that…" Makoto trailed off. "I didn't realize it was that bad for you back then too."
"Yeah, middle school really sucked." Ann admitted. "But… I guess it wasn't all bad."
"Really?"
"Well, it's where I met Ryuji and Shiho." Ann smiled. "Actually, it was a bit after I lent him money on a field trip. I was thinking about actually dying my hair black, but then he just shows up one day with his hair dyed blonde!"
"That's why he dyed it?!" Makoto exclaimed, surprised.
"Yeah, at least back then. I think now he dyes it because it seems rebellious or something." Ann exclaimed. "But back then… he walked up to me and gave a big goofy grin and said, 'now you don't stick out anymore.' It was… really sweet of him."
"That is really sweet of him." Makoto agreed. "But what about Shiho?"
Ann smiled. "I was auditioning for a school play, and Shiho came up to me and told me my acting sucked."
"Shiho did that?" Makoto asked in disbelief. "I don't believe it…"
"I know, right!" Ann laughed. "But she said my acting was soooo bad that she had to say something! But still… it was one of the first times someone was talking about me and it wasn't about my looks. We kinda hit it off after that, and Shiho's been my best friend ever since."
"I never would have thought you two would have become friends like that." Makoto admitted.
Ann nodded. "I know, right? Anyway, there's something else that I wanted to talk to you about.
"What is it?" Makoto asked.
"Do you remember what I talked about the last time we were here? About that villain from the anime I watched as a kid?" Ann asked.
"I remember." Makoto nodded.
"Well, no matter how many times the heroes beat them, they never gave up!" Ann recalled. "I always thought they were super inspiring and strong. So that's why… I want to star in action movies!"
"And that… will make you stronger?" Makoto wondered.
"Well, recently I've been thinking about what I want to do with my life. And talking with you made me remember my love for those villain characters, and realize what I wanted to do." Ann told her.
"Glad I could help." Makoto smiled.
"Alright, if I want to be in an action movie, I need to work on my action skills!" Ann exclaimed.
"… Maybe work on your acting first." Makoto joked.
"Not you too…" Ann groaned.
The two girls broke into a fit of laughter, and Makoto felt a little bit closer to Ann…
LOVERS CONFIDANT: RANK 4
Say, uh, before you go…" Ann whispered, her expression turning serious. "About what you told me to investigate… well, I managed to get in contact with some of the volleyball team members, and…"
"You found something out?" Makoto reasoned.
"It's like you suspected." Ann frowned. "There's been someone on the volleyball team that's been harassing Shiho…"
"I did think something was off, but… I wished I hadn't been right…" Makoto trailed off. "What did you manage to find out?"
"From what I heard, she vandalized Shiho's things while Shiho was in the hospital." Ann explained, a pained expression on her face as she did.
"That's awful!" Makoto exclaimed. "Why would they do something like that?"
"It happened a little bit after Kamoshida's confession, and when the volleyball team was dissolved." Ann frowned.
"Don't tell me that they blame her for the team disbanding! She's not at fault, and even if she was, that doesn't give them the right to harass her!" Makoto snapped. "We have to do something!"
"I know, I know!" Ann exclaimed. "But it's summer right now, so we can't confront her at school right now or anything. Although, even if it wasn't summer…"
"Hmm?"
"When I was talking to some of the former volleyball team members, they told me that they haven't been showing up to school that much in the months after Kamoshida's confession." Ann brought up.
"I see." Makoto replied. "Well, it's clear that volleyball means a lot to her, but I'm not going to let her take it out on Shiho."
"We should talk to her." Ann suggested. "Shiho might be able to tell us more."
"I don't want to pressure her, but that might be the best course of action right now." Makoto agreed. "I'll try and talk to her."
"Thanks for helping." Ann smiled. "I really appreciate it."
"Of course." Makoto nodded. "Shiho's my friend too."
The two of them discussed the issue a bit more before she went home for the day.
Before she went to bed, however, she made sure to text Shiho.
Makoto: Shiho, are you free tomorrow?
Shiho: Yes. Why?
Makoto: I wanted to talk to you about something, if that's ok.
Shiho: Of course! Can you stop by around noon?
Makoto: Sure thing. See you then.
She set her phone down and went to bed.
8/6 Saturday
Days until the Cleanse: 15
For the past few days, she had been texting Ren for updates on Futaba's condition.
So far, there hadn't been any updates, so she was beginning to feel a little worried.
She was about to text Ren again when she felt her phone buzzing.
Ren: Hey, Makoto! Futaba woke up!
Makoto: That's wonderful!
Ren: She's doing pretty well, and she said that she wants us to visit her.
Makoto: Is it about Medjed?
Ren: It might be. I'm not sure.
Makoto: Well, let's meet up at Leblanc first and talk to Boss.
Ren: Sounds like a plan. See you there.
She put her phone back into her pocket and made her way to Leblanc.
When she arrived, she saw Ren wave at her while devouring a plate of curry Sojiro had made for him.
"Niijima-san, want some curry?" Sojiro asked. "There's still some left over."
"For breakfast?" Makoto questioned.
"Hey, it tastes pretty good!" Ren defended.
"I'm surprised you can taste anything with how fast you eat." Sojiro sighed.
"Um… so, how's Futaba doing?" Makoto asked.
"She woke up." Sojiro smiled. "She's still feeling a little out of it, so she's still in bed."
Sojiro let out a sigh.
"She reminds me so much of Wakaba." Sojiro frowned. "I wish there was more I could do for her."
"Um… about my sister." Makoto mumbled. "She hasn't been… coming here again, has she?"
"Not recently, no." Sojiro replied. "… I should probably tell you why she's really coming here in case she comes back."
"What do you mean?" Ren asked. "Wasn't it about Futaba's condition?"
"It was, but… she was trying to get information about Wakaba's research out of me." Sojiro told them. "She said that things might go better for us if I did…"
Makoto felt her fists begin to clench.
Her sister… didn't care about Futaba's condition at all! This was all for some research!
She took a deep breath, seeing Ren giving her a concerned look.
"The only thing you need to know about that research is that there was a lot of trouble surrounding it." Sojiro said. "Trouble that Wakaba got involved with."
"Did she hand her research over to you?" Makoto asked.
"She handed over a copy. I guess someone got tipped off about it." Sojiro answered. "I tried to show it to Futaba, but she wouldn't believe that it was real."
"So what happened to the original?" Makoto asked.
"I'm not sure." Sojiro said. "But I have my doubts that she really destroyed it… and about her cause of death being suicide."
"So the Chief has doubts too." Morgana muttered.
"There were supposedly people out there who really wanted to get their hands on Wakaba's research." Sojiro explained. "I don't have any evidence though… it's just pretty strange."
"Strange?" Ren asked.
"At the funeral, there were these men in black suits that showed up. No one in the family seemed to know who they were." Sojiro recalled. "And they started reading off a suicide note, but the whole thing seemed odd to me. And also..."
"Also what?" Makoto asked.
"A little bit before Wakaba's death, she came over to me, and she told me that she thought that she might be in danger." Sojiro frowned.
"In danger? From who?" Ren wondered.
"I'm not sure. She just seemed worried. If I had just taken it more seriously…" Sojiro muttered. "I've regretted not doing more ever since… which is probably another reason why I took Futaba in."
"Boss… I… I'm sure it's not your fault." Ren said, trying to comfort him.
Makoto began to wonder if there was a connection between Wakaba's research and the people behind the mental shutdowns… if there was a group out there harming people through the Metaverse, it would make sense that they wouldn't want anyone else finding out about it…
"Well, at least Futaba's ok right now." Ren said, lightening the mood.
"Speaking of… did she say anything about wanting to see us?" Makoto asked.
"She did." Sojiro nodded. "Maybe she just needs to talk to someone close to her age."
"… Yeah. That must be it." Makoto nodded.
"Before you go, do you want the leftover curry?" Sojiro asked.
"It does look good, but I already ate breakfast." Makoto answered.
"More for me!" Ren grinned.
"Hey, no fair! Sojiro, I want curry breakfast too!"
"Sure thing, Futaba." Sojiro said. "Anyway, you two, she has trouble getting out of her comfort zone, so try to be gentle when speaking to… FUTABA?!
All three of them of them looked at Futaba with shocked expressions.
"Sup'." Futaba greeted.
"H-How did you get here?" Sojiro gasped.
"Ummmm… I walked?" Futaba said, giving them a strange look as if she hadn't just spent a long time as a hermit. "Is that bad?"
"No, I'm just… surprised." Sojiro admitted.
"Sorry to worry you." Futaba frowned.
"It's… ok." Sojiro replied.
As Sojiro walked away to make more curry, Futaba looked at the two of them.
"So, are you guys ready to deal with Medjed?" Futaba asked.
Makoto nodded. "We are. Can we go right now?
"Right as soon as I finish my curry!" Futaba grinned.
She patiently waited for Futaba to finish her curry before they all made their way back to Futaba's room.
"Medjed, huh… ok, let's get started!" Futaba grinned.
"How long do you think this is going to take?" Morgana asked.
"Woah!" Futaba gasped. "That kitty talked!"
"We'll explain later." Makoto promised. "How long will this take?"
"How much time do I have?"
"Until the 21st." Ren answered.
"Hehehe… that long?" Futaba smirked. "Too easy! I'll have this done in a few days."
"Good to hear." Makoto said.
They watched Futaba click away on her computer for a bit.
Makoto and Ren looked around for a way to pass the time, noting how dirty the room was.
"Hey Futaba, you mind we clean your room a bit?" Ren asked. "As thanks for helping us out."
"Kay'." Futaba tersely replied.
"I… suppose that's a yes." Makoto said.
They spent about an hour or so cleaning up before she remembered that she needed to meet with Shiho soon.
"I have to get going." Makoto excused. "Catch me up on what happens."
"Got it." Ren nodded.
She left Sojiro's home and made her way to Shiho's.
She rang the door to Shiho's home, waiting a bit before Shiho answered.
"Hello, Makoto." Shiho greeted. "You wanted to talk?"
"Yes." Makoto replied. "Could we speak somewhere… private?"
"Oh, of course." Shiho said.
The two of them went to a nearby cafe, ordering lunch. Along the way, she noticed that Shiho was now on crutches.
"So… how's your, um…"
"My leg's doing much better." Shiho smiled. "It should only be a few more days before I'm able to walk on it again."
"That's great to hear." Makoto smiled.
Makoto took a deep breath. She might as well come out with it.
"Shiho… I was talking to Ann the other day." Makoto began. "And she told me that she was talking to your teammates on the volleyball team."
Shiho shifted in her seat, glancing towards the ground.
"What did they say?" Shiho whispered.
"Shiho… has there been someone who's been harassing you?" Makoto asked.
"N-No… of course not." Shiho stammered. "There isn't-"
"What are you doing here?"
They both turned around to see a girl around their age glaring at Shiho.
"I thought that I'd get to enjoy a nice lunch, but So much for that." the girl scoffed. "So, you're finally out of the hospital?"
"Y-Yes…" Shiho stammered.
"Don't tell me that you're going to show your face at Shujin again after what you did?" the girl frowned.
"N-No… I…"
"Hold on, what's going on here?" Makoto asked.
"Niijima-sempai?" the girl questioned. "Don't you remember what she did?! She made that false accusation against Kamoshida!"
"False accusation?" Makoto repeated, her eyes narrowing. "I recall that he confessed to the crime, did he not?"
"That's just because he was pressured into doing it!" the girl snapped. "You can't just accuse people without evidence."
Makoto felt her patience waning. "I would argue that there's lots of evidence, but…if that's what you believe, then where's your evidence that all of his victims are lying.
"T-That…" the girl faltered. "Why are you taking their side? Kamoshida's a teacher! You always take the teacher's side, Niijima-sempai."
"I used to." Makoto frowned. "But not anymore. I truly believe that Kamoshida is guilty."
"I disagree." the girl frowned. "And even if he was, are just good to ruin his entire life over one mistake?!"
"Mistake?!" Makoto snapped. "Spilling a glass of water is a mistake! Picking the wrong answer on a test is a mistake! What Kamoshida did is a heinous crime, and he knew it! He knew it and did it anyway, because he wanted to!"
"So what about the rest of the volleyball team?! What about me?!" the girl shouted. "Should we all have our lives ruined too…"
She glared at Shiho.
"…. Because of what this bitch said?!"
Makoto shot her fiercest glare towards the girl, her patience completely gone.
"Leave. Before I make you leave." Makoto said, her tone cold as ice.
"F-Fine!" the girl muttered, taking a step back. "I just wanted to let Suzui know that she won't be welcome back at Shujin."
The girl quickly ran off as Makoto turned to Shiho.
"Shiho…"
"It's true…" Shiho muttered, her cheeks stained with tears. "That girl… she was my former teammate. Ever since the incident, she's been saying so many awful things to me…"
"Did you tell anyone?" Makoto asked.
"N-No…" Shiho stuttered. "She blamed me for the volleyball team dissolving… and I felt so bad for the whole team… and…"
"Shiho, listen to me." Makoto said. "It doesn't matter if the entire volleyball team or even the entire school is against you. You will always have my support. What happened to the volleyball team is unfair, but it's also unfair to blame you for what happened. I'll try everything I can to help you."
"Thank you." Shiho smiled.
She could feel Shiho's gratitude…
SUN CONFIDANT: RANK 7
"Shiho…" Makoto trailed off. "What was their name?"
"W-What are you going to do?" Shiho stammered.
"I'm going to put a stop to this." Makoto promised.
"P-Please don't do anything to hurt her." Shiho pleaded.
"I won't." Makoto said. "But I need to know her full name. I… wasn't able to help you last time. I don't want that to happen again. Please Shiho… let me help you."
"… Kaya Saeki." Shiho whispered. "That's her name."
"Thank you." Makoto expressed. "I promise that I'll sort this out, ok? You won't have to worry about her harassment anymore."
"Why go through all this trouble for me?" Shiho asked.
"Because we're friends." Makoto smiled. "Isn't that enough?"
"I suppose it is." Shiho said, smiling back. "But could you please try to at least talk things out with her first?"
I don't think she deserves any kindness like that, Makoto mused.
She let out a breath, trying to clear her head of her thoughts. If it was what Shiho wanted, then she would at least try and talk to her.
"I'll try my best." Makoto promised.
She didn't think it would happen so soon, but as she made her way home, she realized that they had another target…
Makoto's Confidant Progress:
THE FOOL - Ren Amamiya: Rank 8
THE HUNGER - Igor: Rank 6
THE CHARIOT - Ryuji Sakamoto: Rank 5
THE MAGICIAN - Morgana: Rank 6
THE FAITH - Eiko Takao: Rank 6
THE TOWER - Chiaki Yasui: Rank 5
THE SUN - Shiho Suzui: Rank 7
THE MOON - Takayo Tachibana: Rank 5
THE HIEROPHANT - Sojiro Sakura: Rank 5
THE TEMPERANCE - Naoya Makigami: Rank 4
THE STAR - Hifumi Togo: Rank 4
THE DEVIL - Mitsuhide Matsuoka: Rank 2
THE HANGED MAN - Munehisa Iwai: Rank 2
THE DEATH - Yohei Kiritani: Rank 2
THE EMPEROR - Yusuke Kitagawa: Rank 4
THE EMPRESS - Haru Okumura: Rank 3
THE LOVERS - Ann Takamaki: Rank 4
THE STRENGTH - Caroline and Justine: Rank 5
THE JUSTICE - Goro Akechi: Rank 4
THE PRIESTESS - Kasumi Yoshizawa: Rank 3
THE FORTUNE - Phantom Thieves of Heart: Rank 4
THE JUDGMENT - Sae Niijima: Rank 4
THE COUNCILOR - Takuto Maruki: Rank 5
Are the Phantom Thieves just? Yes 40.1%