Chapter 23
Once the bell rang to end the school day, Ren snatched up his items and packed them in his bag. As he did, he held it under his desk low enough for Morgana to leap in unnoticed by his neighboring peers. Once everything was off his desk, he slung the bag onto his shoulder and stepped away from the desk. Kawakami approached him before he could continue. She sighed, shaking her head. "I don't know what's going on, but I was able to speak to Niijima-san about her behavior."
Ren fixed his glasses. "She told you why she's been stalking me?"
"Apparently, the principal put her up to it. Telling her how he's going to give her a letter of recommendation if she accomplishes some task. I don't know why Mister Kobayakawa has it out for you, but be careful. Regardless, she asked me to send you to the student council room immediately. It's on the third floor next to the library."
"Any idea why?"
The teacher sighed once again, rubbing her tired eyes. "No. Though it's easier to talk to her as a teacher, she was reluctant to share anything further. I can't believe the principle is strong-arming a student of all things."
Ren cocked his head to the side. "Well. Taking advantage of someone's emotions is how manipulators take advantage of situations. It's easier when their victims believe it's in their best interests to comply with the manipulator's will."
Kawakami stopped, sliding her hand down her face so her eyes could peer into Ren's with a skeptical glare. "Hold on. It sounds as if you're saying-."
"Whatever you glean from it is something you can consider or disregard. While those feelings might be valid, I'm concerned that some people will exploit them given the chance. If there's something wrong with that, then the problem doesn't lie with those feelings. That's just my speculation, though. For now, I've gotta go. Sorry to bother you." He skipped out of the class before she could stop him.
He sighed as he walked up the stairs. He felt Morgana move in the bag, probably positioning his head closer to Ren's body. It wasn't long till the non-cat was whispering, "I guess that went well. Was that really the right call?"
"Don't know. But I don't know how else to put her predicament in a light she could view impartially. It may not be the same, but it's close enough for comparison. I just want her to come to her senses before it's too late."
Many of the students in the hallway cast him bewildered looks, but as that was the norm, he's accepted being the 'oddball talking to himself.' He'd just smile and nod at them while he passed them in the hall. It was not long enough before he made a stop at the student council office. He stared at the door, begging his heart to settle with a deep breath of soothing fresh air. Considering what he's heard, Makoto is looking for information about the Phantom Thieves. She's probably found reason to suspect them and now seeks to tie them down. A fate the leader of the Phantom Thieves must prevent at all costs.
He slid open the door and the girl of his stress in question looked up. She smiled a little at the sight of him, like a cat seeing a mouse. "Ah. Earlier than expected. Have a seat." She waved over the table, where she then sat down.
He followed suit, sitting across from her. He placed his bag down on the chair next to him and sat back as aloof as he could muster. She leaned forward, her hard gaze grazing him like some x-ray scanner. "I'll get straight to the point. Mister Kamoshida and Madarame. Won't you tell me the truth behind the Phantom Thieves' incidents?"
Ren sat back and admired his fingernails. "The truth?"
"Of your involvement."
"Involvement? Are you implying I'm a Phantom Thief or something? If I could manipulate people's thoughts, I wouldn't be on probation.
Makoto hesitated, but pulled out her phone. "You mind explaining this to me?"
Pressing the screen, an audio recording played, "'Man, that detective from yesterday really pissed me off!'"
That sounded like Ryuji. It must have been when she tried cornering them near the vending machines the other day.
"'We're some kinda threat? Let's see him do it, then! It musta been satisfying puttin' him in his place. Man, you're one brave dude. 'What kinda detective goes around makin' random accusations?' That was just so badass. That's the kinda thing I'd expect from our leader. Ow!'
'You're being way too loud.'" That was Ann.
"'C'mon. Everyone's talkin' about it. The whole school knows about his love of Naoto Shirogane. Sides, it's got nothin' to do with our Arsenes business. If anything, I say he's got people to think twice about agreeing with that asshole.'"
Ren shrugged. "What about it? That's a typical conversation we have."
"About Akechi-kun and these... Arsenes? That's quite a coincidence."
"How so?"
"You're a part of a group calling themselves Arsenes, a name based on a famous fictional thief known for never being caught. Just like a phantom. Additionally, Ryuji mentioned how you are all 'threats' and that Akechi should 'do it then.' There's also the fact that you're all victims of the... targets of the Phantom Thieves. A rather intriguing series of coincidences."
Ren leaned forward. Mind racing. Ren didn't expect a recording, even though in retrospect it was predictable. But he hadn't been buried yet, so he could escape out of this pit if he was clever enough. "I'm not following. It's no coincidence if that's your confusion."
"So, you're admitting your group is the Phantom Thieves?"
"No, I said everything you mentioned wasn't a coincidence. As in, they're related in some manner. I hear nothing about how we're phantoms or thieves."
"Really? If the police heard this, would they agree with that conclusion?" She grinned as she sat back. "If you confess the truth, I don't mind just leaving this between the two of us. You'll tell me, won't you?"
"Well. If you insist." He was still working things out. Damn, he had some of this planned out for such a scenario, but nothing solid. "The whole connection with the Phantom Thieves is a given. As you said, we're the victims of their targets. Naturally, that puts us in alignment with our saviors. So, of course, we're bitter about Akechi's rather slanderous words."
"That doesn't explain why your friend referred to this group as 'a threat' to Akechi, or how Akechi should, 'do it' himself, for that matter."
"Come on. You know that's how fans think. When talking about our favorite soccer team, do you describe them as 'they' or 'we?'"
She cocked her head to the side, confidence seeping away from her coy smile. "But... your little meetings are rather suspicious. You three keep sneaking around to areas where few students are or that are supposed to be restricted. That alone is enough to garner suspicion. It's in your best interest-."
After hearing 'meetings', he had a flash of inspiration. "I get our names are suspicious. But the Phantom Thieves are Phantom Thieves. The Arsenes are a fan group. As well as a support group."
"Support group?! What?"
"As you said. We were the victims, and what did the school do about it?"
"I don't understand, what are you-."
"They did nothing. They haven't even offered us counseling or allowed us to speak out about the injustice we faced. Ryuji had his leg broken, his reputation ruined, his club removed, and thrown aside as a delinquent, and when it's proven that he was just being bullied and slandered by Kamoshida what did the school do? Not even an apology.
"Ann is the same. Sexually harassed, friend sexually assaulted, bullied, and ostracized for being 'Kamoshida's girl.' And the school hasn't apologized to her either. Then there's me. Kamoshida leaked my probation to bully and kick me out of school. Yet I don't get an apology for your negligence?"
Ren gave a slight pause, just long enough for her to digest his words, "Of course, we'll need support and the only ones willing to hear us out are ourselves. So, we set up this fan group to help each other out and talk about the heroes who freed us from your oppression. We provide support to each other during these difficult times we've been left in. And in honor of those who saved us, we named ourselves Arsenes. Is that a problem?"
"Well, t-that's truly honorable, but that's not what is implied here." She nodded to the recording.
"You mean what you infer. I already explained how out of context that recording is. Not to mention..." He fixed his glasses, "You can turn it in to the police, but when the media hears about the school going after previous victims of their negligence, what will the public think?"
Makoto paled, her body visibly shaking.
Ren stood up, taking up his bag as he did, "So, no. You can't come to our meetings. You ruined our education and make this sacred school a hell hole for us. I will not let you to taint our only support too. After all, I am the leader."
The girl leapt to her feet. "I wasn't a part of any of that! I didn't attack or slander any of you!"
"But you did nothing, and an act of negligence is an act of approval. You're letting us suffer so you can get a good recommendation from the principal, aren't you? You're supposed to be our representative. What exactly did you represent when we needed you most?"
Makoto mouth dropped at the question before shutting instantly in silence. Yu recognized the opportunity, and began walking around the table. She watched him come nearer, stepping back at the last moment, uncertain of his intentions. He stopped in front of her, then planted a hand on her shoulder. She stiffened on contact but seemed too startled to do anything more. He leaned over and whispered. "I know you're a good person, Makoto."
She tensed further, shaking under his hand.
"I get why you're doing this. You think this is the only way to get ahead, the only way to stay on top. But is it really?"
She looked at the recording on the table, then back at him, but didn't respond.
"Is drowning others to stay afloat worth it? Is letting others getting hurt the right thing to do?"
A spark ignited in her eyes, as if a switch had been flipped. She turned away with a scowl. "Let go of me."
He stepped back, putting his hands in his pockets. "Makoto. What's going on at school?"
She looked back with a newfound bout of vigor. "What are you talking about?"
"The thing the principal is trying to hide."
She averted her gaze.
It was a rather long shot in the dark, but he had to chance it. She was building walls to cut herself off from him. Defend herself. He had to act before it was solid. "More students are getting hurt. More victims. That's what you're really invested in, right? If you really wanted to hunt down the Phantom Thieves for the principal, if you were convinced that recording was proof enough, you would have turned it in already."
"Y-you know nothing about me."
"I know you felt betrayed by Kamoshida. You didn't know how horrible he was, did you?"
Makoto bit her bottom lip, still unable to meet his gaze. She crossed her arms, shifting herself from side to side. "I... I really thought he was a good person before..."
"And now you realize the school's been hiding it. You know the principal doesn't care about the students and you want someone to save them from more harm."
Finally, their eyes met.
Yu stepped closer. This time, she didn't resist. "I can't help if I don't know. What's wrong?"
"I-I want a guarantee."
"What is it?"
"I want them stopped."
"I only need to know who."
"I want to be involved."
"I can't promise that. It's dangerous."
"I don't care! I want to ensure they're stopped."
"I can't promise you can come, but I promise to keep you in the loop. I just need a name."
"I don't have a name." She looked down. "I... I just know it's mafia. They're using phishing scams. Once they've hooked someone, they never let them go. Threatening them, their families, all the way until they destroy their life... As you've realized, some of those victims are some of our students."
"Do you have anything specific? Anything that may lead us to them?"
"They target juveniles and are based in Shibuya. That's all I know."
"It's a start." He pulled out his phone and began texting:
[Ren] Mafia. Unknown boss. Phishing scheme turned into blackmail. Primarily targeting juveniles. Based somewhere in Shibuya. Try asking about high paying jobs with little to no job description.
[Ryuji] Dude, I haven't even started yet, how did you get all that?
[Ann] I'll start asking around. Not sure I'll get anything, though.
[Yusuke] If they're based in Shibuya, they may also be targeting students at my school. I'll ask around here as well.
A flicker of realization came over Ren. They had a certain contact that caught his eye during the Madarame heist.
[Ren] I think I have a lead. You guys focus on their main base of operations. Maybe pretend to be looking for a job.
[Ann] That reporter, right? What was her name again?
[Ren] I have her card, I'll text her.
[Ryuji] Hey I just heard something. Gonna check it out.
[Ryuji] Man, we're actually playing detective! It's more cool than I thought!
[Ann] I know. I didn't think it would be this fun.
[Yusuke] I haven't found this all that exciting.
[Ryuji] Don't ruin this!
Whatever motivation Ren had evaporated. The confidence Yu had given him fleeing upon from seeing 'Detective.' The image of Naoto appearing before him. A look of utter disgust on her features. His stomach knotted at the image of her like that. How could they call themselves detectives when someone like her would hunt them down for what they do? They were no detectives. Not him, at least. Nothing more than a thief. What would Naoto think?
His shaking hands pocketed the phone, and he rushed around to snatch up his bag. Despite the faltering conviction, he still had to try. Yu's memories should still help, even if they weren't his. He bowed to Makoto and rushed out without a word.
Makoto just watched him go. Her brow furrowed down in confusion. Where did all the energy go? Where did the confusion and power he exerted vanish. She felt so helpless, yet comforted and safe. Seeing how he left, the solidarity she felt from him left with him. What remained was a sense of foreboding.
Was she just tricked? Did she just give everything up with nothing in return? Was her sister right all along?
She scowled, snatching up her phone and pacing the room.
Why didn't she press further? Why did she just let him take the lead, play with her? Wasn't she in charge? This is her responsibility; one she had to work with! She refused to be useless, helpless! Fine! If the Phantom Thieves would not help, she'll just do it herself!
Outside, Ren took a shaky breath, correcting his glasses as he zoomed down the hall. From his bag he could hear, "Not bad. What's next?"
"Uh..." He sniffed, collecting his thoughts. "Is... that reporter's card still in my bag?"
"Let me check." Little shuffles and clattering emanated from within Morgana's hiding spot, "Got it. Ichiko Ohya. Investigative Journalist. Want me to read the number?"
Ren pulled out his phone. "Go ahead."
As the non-cat read out the numbers, Ren typed them in. With the number set, Ren contemplated what he should say. Almost like a slap in the face, a memory of Yu came ramming into him. The teen sleuth was gathering information from a reporter about Rise. At the time Rise was considering leaving her idol career, the public was frantic to know her next move. If what that reporter said to Yu then was still true now, then they could have a means for a quid pro quo.
[Ren] Reporters are known for exchanging information for information. The only thing we can offer that would pique her interest is the Phantom Thieves. Before I speak with her about anything, we should meet and discuss this. Anything on your guy's end?
[Ryuji] Iida.
[Ann] Wait. Iida from our class?
[Ryuji] Word is he's been spending money left and right lately. No one knows where he's got that cash, though.
[Yusuke] All I've gathered is that some students here have also been bamboozled into this phishing scheme. Oddly enough, they were rather eager to give me the location of their contact. They were given the offer at Central Street.
[Ryuji] Man, I feel for you.
[Yusuke] I don't know what you mean. I got us the location we were after.
[Ryuji] Not what I meant.
[Ann] If that's all we need, then maybe we could go have that meeting. The station?
[Ren] Sounds good. Meet there in ten.
[Ryuji] Man, we almost got a new target.
{Yusuke] Would it not be wiser to avoid saying such things before our meeting?
[Ryuji] It's not like anyone reads these. It's fine.
Shaking his head, and ignoring the continued incoming texts, Ren switched messenger to the reporter:
[Ren] Miss Ohya. We met in front of Madarame's place. I have an offer for you. I have some information that may interest you and in return I'd like something in return.
He put his phone away and looked back at his bag, "Ready? We're meeting at the station."
"So soon? Did we get what we need?"
"Almost. We'll discuss at the station."
His phone pinged. He pulled it out to see he already had a response:
[Ohya] Tonight. Shinjuku, red-light district. Look for the bar Crossroads. I'll be waiting.
Huh... why did that make him think of Sayoko, of all people? Now he's got a chill down his spine.